Carlos Jericho Petilla. RYAN LEAGOGO/INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO
Liberal Party (LP) standard bearer Manuel Roxas II has named former energy secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla as among those being seriously considered by the administration party in its senatorial slate for 2016.
During a sortie in Nueva Ecija on Wednesday, 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 candidates, Roxas identified Petilla as among those who are in 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.
“Hindi ko gustong pangunahan ang ating Pangulo at ang ating partido dahil dadaan pa ito sa pormal na proseso… (I don’t want to preempt the President and the (Liberal) Party because it (lineup) still has to go through a formal process…) but I can say that secretary Petilla is well within among those that are comfortably discussed for the senatorial slate,” Roxas said.
At the sidelines of the Nueva Ecija sortie, Petilla was a bit coy when asked to confirm his inclusion in the LP’s senatorial lineup. “Most likely kasama na siguro, but until the list comes out, the President has to confirm muna,” he said.
During earlier interviews, Petilla admitted that President Aquino was urging him to run and seek a Senate seat.