Herbert ‘Bistek’ Bautista weighs 3rd run for mayor or Senate bid

Mayor Herbert Bautista. INQUIRER.net file photo

Quezon City Mayor Herbert “Bistek” Bautista on Wednesday said he had yet to decide whether to seek a third term or accept a slot in the senatorial ticket of the ruling Liberal Party (LP) in the 2016 elections.

Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. paid him a visit on Wednesday to discuss possibilities, with the LP expected to announce eight names in its senatorial lineup on Friday, Bautista told the Inquirer.

“I can invoke the equity of the incumbent. I have the option to run for Senate or seek reelection,” Bautista said while taking a break from a video shoot showcasing the accomplishments of his administration.

Local dynamics are also in play, he said, since 4th District Councilor Bong Suntay had expressed plans to run for a House seat, a move that would pit him against incumbent Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr.

“Definitely, I’m running for an elective position,” Suntay said when sought for confirmation. “I’ve prepared for a run for Congress. But we’re still talking about it.”

Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte, meanwhile, said Suntay had been like a son to her father, the Speaker. “At the end of the day, I don’t think they will run against each other,” she said.

Joy Belmonte said she was also waiting for Bautista’s decision since she would be fielded as mayoral candidate should he choose to run for senator

“Honestly, I want him to be reelected because he [is eligible for] another term. And it’s also my plan to finish my third term as vice mayor,” she said. “Having said that, I’m also prepared to run for mayor if he makes that decision to serve in a higher capacity.”