Formally sealing his senatorial run, resigned Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) Director-General Joel Villanueva on Friday said he was willing to campaign with former Justice Secretary Leila de Lima despite conflicts and differences.
Accompanied by his wife, father Eddie, and Tesda ambassador and celebrity chef Boy Logro, Villanueva filed his certificate of candidacy for senator at the Commission on Elections headquarters in Intramuros, Manila on Friday.
Asked about his thoughts on running with De Lima under the Liberal Party-led “Koalisyon ng Daang Matuwid,” Villanueva said he would set aside personal feelings for the benefit of Filipinos.
“I will let go of personal feelings for the greater good… There is no perfect setup and we can’t wait for it to happen,” Villanueva told reporters.
READ: De Lima, Villanueva will campaign together–Lacierda | Aquino says Joel Villanueva will run with LP
Villanueva previously said that he was uncomfortable running with De Lima after he was included in the third batch of officials sued for malversation in connection with the pork barrel scam.
Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda also said the two will campaign together as the administration coalition slate is bound by reform and advocacy.
Citing quality education and workers’ dignity as his main agenda, Villanueva said he would replicate his accomplishments as Tesda chief in Congress’ upper chamber.
“Kung walang quality education, ‘di po tayo magtatagumpay… At bale wala ang tagumpay kung hindi umaasenso ang ating mga kababayan,” he said.
(Without quality education, we cannot succeed…And success is pointless if our fellowmen do not progress.)
Comparing his senatorial bid to a job application, the former Tesda chief said the “Villanueva brand” is tantamount to a tried and tested service.
“Ang tatak Villanueva po ay protected by CCTV (The Villanueva brand is protected by CCTV), ” he said, alluding to honesty and transparency. CDG
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