DOLE spox says Bello still undecided on possible Senate run

FILE PHOTO: Labor and Employment Secretary Silvestre Bello III shares his remarks with President Rodrigo Duterte during a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) core members at the Arcadia Active Lifestyle Center in Matina, Davao City, on August 30, 2021. JOEY DALUMPINES/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III still has to decide whether or not to push through with his senatorial bid, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) spokesperson Rolly Francia said Saturday.

“Secretary Bebot Bello has yet to decide whether or not to seek a seat in the Senate,” Francia told reporters in a Viber message.

“He has until Monday to do so,” Francia added. Monday (November 15) is the deadline for aspirants to substitute for placeholders who would withdraw their candidacy.

Bello’s brother, Silvestre Bello Jr., filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) for senator under the PDP-Laban party on October 8, the last day for the filing of COCs set by the Commission on Elections.

The Labor chief previously said there is a possibility of him replacing his brother in the senatorial race.

He said he would only run as senator if Davao Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio runs for president, but she already filed her candidacy for vice president through substitution on Saturday.

“In the meantime, tuloy lang ang trabaho niya at pangunguna sa pagbibigay ng ayuda sa mga mamamayan sa pamamagitan ng flagship program ng DOLE na Tupad para sa mga lubhang naapektuhan ng pandemya,” Francia added, referring to the cash for work program of the agency.

(In the meantime, his duty continues to provide aid to the people through the flagship program of DOLE called Tupad for those who were affected by the pandemic.)

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/MUF