Roxas eyes Petilla for Senate slot

Former energy secretary Jericho Petilla. INQUIRER file photo.

Liberal Party (LP) standard bearer Mar Roxas has named former energy secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla among those being seriously considered by the administration party for its senatorial slate for 2016.

During a sortie in Nueva Ecija, Roxas said he spoke with President Aquino and party leaders to finalize the administration’s senatorial lineup. The list includes at least three re-electionists led by Senate President Franklin Drilon and Senators Ralph Recto and Teofisto TG Guingona III.

While he remains mum on the names of other senatorial bets, Roxas has openly identified Petilla among those who are on the Liberal Party’s shortlist. He even teased the former energy chief in front of the huge crowd composed mostly of electric cooperative members that Petilla is seeking a Senate post and not running for governor.

“I don’t want to preempt the President and the party because it still has to go through a formal process…but I can say that Secretary Petilla is among those comfortably discussed for the senatorial slate,” Roxas said.

Asked to comment, Petilla said: “Most likely I’m in, but until the list comes out, the President has to confirm it first,” he said.