No guest candidates: Cusi says senatorial bets will all be PDP-Laban members
The Partido ng Demokratikong Pilipino-Laban (PDP-Laban) led by the camp of Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi will field senatorial candidates who are all members of the ruling political party.
However, Cusi refused to disclose the names of the senatorial candidates they will field in the upcoming May 2022 national elections but assured they are going to be a “formidable force.”
“They are competent, very informed and they understand the needs of our country. Yes, they are a formidable force,” Cusi stressed during a virtual hearing.
“All of them are PDP-Laban members, wala kaming (we won’t have) guest candidates,” the Cabinet official said.
As they also prepare for their “big day,” or the PDP-Laban’s National Convention on September 8, Cusi also assured that their line-up—from the presidential, vice presidential bets to the senatorial candidates—would be formidable.
“Our line up shall bring forth continuity, strong leadership especially during this time of a pandemic. Majority shall prevail and you will be witness to it,” he said.
The PDP-Laban earlier released the initial list of its senatorial candidates and it includes House Deputy Speaker Rodante Marcoleta, Chief presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo, Information and Communications Technology Secretary Gringo Honasan, Transport Secretary Arthur Tugade and Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar.
Cusi's group also mentioned the name of Representative Lucy Torres-Gomez, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, Agrarian Reform Secretary John Castriciones and Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles in their possible senatorial line up.
However, Villar is known to be a member of the Nacionalista Party led by his father, billionaire businessman and former Senate President Manuel Villar.