Magsaysay Jr.: Voters to discern real Magsaysay

MANILA -- The electorate are wise enough to vote for the "real Magsaysay," former senator Ramon "Jun" Magsaysay Jr. said as he formalized his senatorial bid under the administration slate Friday.

Aside from the former senator, another Magsaysay is joining the senatorial race, Zambales Representative Milagros "Mitos" Magsaysay. She is the niece-in-law of Jun.

Mitos, who is running under the United Nationalist Alliance of former President Joseph Estrada and Vice President Jejomar Binay, earlier slammed Senator Franklin Drilon, now the campaign manager of the Liberal Party-led administration slate, for tagging her as a "fake" Magsaysay.

"I think Senator Drilon just mentioned it as a matter of fact," the LP bet said. "I have a sister, Milagros Magsaysay, but I think she's more of a Magsaysay than others."

Asked whether he was referring to the three-term Zambales congresswoman, Jun said: "Not necessarily. As I said the final choice is up to the voters."

He also dismissed claims that he was asked to run by President Benigno Aquino III to ensure the loss of Mitos, saying he was persuaded to run to "come out of retirement."

"We can both win, we can both lose, (or) she wins and I lose or she loses and I win. It's the option of the voters," he said.

Mitos filed her candidacy papers with the UNA slate Monday, October 1. In a text message, she said: "We (Jun and I) are not enemies."

Jun's public service started in 1965 when he was elected as congressman for the lone district of Zambales. In 1992, he ran for vice president under the People's Reform Party. He lost against then Senator Estrada.

From 1995 to 2007, he was a member of the Senate.

The former senator, 74, vowed to focus his legislative work on improving the economy if he wins next year. (Kathrina Alvarez/Sunnex)