Trillanes’ possible run in ’16 gets mixed views

LEGAZPI CITY—This city’s mayor said former rebel officer now Senator Antonio Trillanes should get the support of Bicolanos if he runs for higher public office as he had announced in previous interviews.

“He (Trillanes) has integrity and was never involved in any scam so, as Bicolanos, we have to support him,” said Mayor Noel Rosal.

Another official, however, said it was too early to make the call on whether Trillanes, a Bicolano, should get the support of the entire region.

Naga City Councilor Gabriel Bordado, in a phone interview, said Bicolanos should wait for the political scene to get clearer.

One of the region’s highest officials, Albay Governor Joey Salceda, said, however, that Bicolano voters should also start voting intelligently, “not just with our hearts.”

Trillanes is one of several senators who have not been included in the list of legislators who pocketed pork barrel funds through Janet Lim-Napoles.

Trillanes has confirmed he was prepared to run for higher office in 2016, following the footsteps of his fellow Nacionalista Party member, Sen. Allan Peter Cayetano, who had declared he wanted to run for president.

“I am ready … I am going to run for a higher position,” Trillanes had said in a statement issued following a TV interview.

“As to what position, I will abide by the decision of the Nacionalista Party,” he said. Mar Arguelles and Juan Escandor Jr., Inquirer Southern Luzon