No convention for UNA, only ‘launches’

In lieu of a national convention, Vice President Jejomar Binay’s United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) party will hold regional and provincial “launches” (assemblies) beginning this week where it may announce his vice presidential running mate and 12 senatorial candidates.

UNA secretary general JV Bautista on Sunday said the party had more than 12 senatorial candidates to choose from.

“It’s still being finalized,” Bautista said.

Binay previously said the party’s choice for his vice presidential running mate was down to three, including Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Sen. Gregorio Honasan. He declined to identify the third person.

Honasan, who is UNA vice president, has said he is not interested in running for Vice President and that he would rather help Binay in his presidential campaign.

Binay insisted last week the senator was among his possible running mates.

Not ready for higher office

Marcos said a few weeks ago he was not ready to announce a run for higher office or reelection.

So far, UNA’s senatorial candidates are movie actress and Parañaque Councilor Alma Moreno and Princess Jacel Kiram, daughter of the late Sultan of Sulu, as announced by Binay.

“The party is not going to hold a convention anymore. Instead, we are opting for the holding of various regional and provincial launches,” Bautista said.

On Monday, the party will launch its provincial chapter in Laguna with former Gov. ER Ejercito and some mayors taking their oath as members of UNA in Calamba City, Bautista said.

Binay is expected to witness the oath-taking, he added.

Bautista said there would be another oath-taking of new party members on Sept. 30 at the Vice President’s official residence at the Coconut Palace in Pasay City.

On Oct. 3, UNA will hold its Mindanao-wide party launch in Cagayan de Oro City.

The party launch in the Visayas will be held on Oct. 9 in Cebu City, Bautista said.—Christine O. Avendaño