Joel Villanueva not yet 100 percent sure of Senate bid in 2016

Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) Secretary Joel Villanueva on Tuesday said he is not yet certain if he will run for senator in the upcoming 2016 elections.

“Alam niyo po sa totoo lang hindi po 100 percent yung aking decision to run, especially yung family medyo hindi pa po sila masyadong [sold out] sa atin at this time pero at the right time we will announce it,” Villanueva said over Radyo Inquirer 990AM.

Villanueva said he has been looking into pre-election surveys to determine his winnability, but added that he also considers other factors before making a final decision.

“’Yung survey is very important. Major factor in making decision, pero hindi naman po ito lang yung factor para tingnan para magdecide po tayo,” Villanueva said.

“Ang next idedecide, kanino sasama or anong mangyayari next? Meron ka bang panggastos; meron bang sponsors na willing to take that extra mile na suportahan ka nang walang kapalit? ‘Yun po ‘yung mabibigat na decision making,” he added.

Asked if the filing of a malversation complaint against him in connection with the pork barrel scam would affect his decision, Villanueva said he is positive and confident that he will be able to defend himself against accusations.

The Tesda secretary, who claimed that some members of the ruling Liberal Party wanted him out of the administration loop, previously expressed doubts over the timing of the pork raps.

READ: Villanueva questions filing of pork charges ahead of 2016 elections

In July, Villanueva said he is interested to run for senator next year, adding that the endorsement of President Benigno Aquino III would be important. He was commended by Aquino in his last State of the Nation Address for his works in Tesda. With reports from Angeli Mae S. Cantillana, Inquirer.net trainee

READ: Joel Villanueva interested to run for senator in 2016