30 vying for slots in LP senatorial slate

PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III said Monday that at least 30 people have expressed interest to join the administration's senatorial ticket in 2013.

"There are at least 30 or 32 names for the 12 slots," Aquino said in an interview during the mass oath-taking of new Liberal Party (LP) members in the Cordillera Administrative Region.

Aquino disclosed earlier the names of Customs Commissioner Rozzano Rufino Biazon, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Director General Joel Villanueva, Aurora Representative Juan Edgardo Angara and former Akbayan Representative Risa Hontiveros as those who will have sure slots in the LP senatorial slate.

The Chief Executive said he will make the announcement of the entire LP senatorial slate at a proper time.

In his speech during the oath-taking of LP members in La Trinidad Benguet, Aquino welcomed the 300 new members of his party, saying making LP stronger will ensure continuity of the reforms initiated by his administration.

He said he expects the new members to become leaders who will lead the people to the righteous path.

Joining the President during the event were Transportation and Communications Secretary Manuel Roxas II, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo, House Deputy speaker Erin Tanada and Ifugao Representative Teddy Baguilat. (Jill Beltran/Sunnex)