UNA is not the new opposition, says spokesman

MANILA, Philippines—United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) spokesman lawyer JV Bautista said early Thursday that UNA is not the new opposition but an alliance of two political parties, PDP Laban and Partido ng Masang Pilipino (PMP).

“We’re here for the Filipinos to have more choices in the next elections,” he said over an interview with anchors Susan K and Den Macaranas on Radyo Inquirer 990 AM.

“Vice President Jejomar Binay of PDP Laban is part of the Aquino administration as head of several agencies like housing and the commission on overseas Filipino workers. So is Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile of PMP, who has been very supportive of the Aquino government’s policies and programs,” said Bautista.

He added UNA was formed not to question the Aquino government.

Possible UNA candidates

He also enumerated the senatorial candidates of the alliance for the 2013 midterm elections.

For the original first batch, he said UNA released five possible candidates; Senators Aquilino Pimentel III, Gregorio Honasan; Representatives Juan Ponce “Jackie” Enrile Jr., JV Ejercito; and businessman Joey de Venecia.

For the second batch, he mentioned former Representative Juan Miguel Zubiri, incumbent Representatives Gwen Garcia of Cebu and Milagros “Mitos” Magsaysay of Zambales.

“We have four more slots left and we are considering a lot of personalities from various sectors,” he said.

He named Senators Loren Legarda, Salvador “Chiz” Escudero; former Senators Richard “Dick” Gordon and Ernie Maceda; actress-councilor Alma Moreno; Bacoor City lone district Representative Lani Mercado-Revilla; Manila Representative Benny Abante.

Asked about the status of Senator Pimentel III, who weeks ago announced his bolting out of UNA because of differences with Zubiri, Bautista said the alliance is still trying to find a way to deal with the issue.

“Senator Pimentel is still part of PDP Laban,” he said.

For the full interview, listen to the attached audio clip from Radyo Inquirer.