Although he admitted that his wife is more popular than him, he said Gina "is not keen on running for the Senate."
The Speaker made the statement following reports that the administration coalition has been courting his wife to run under the ticket of the administration since she consistently tops the party's surveys.
But a reliable source close to the de Venecias said Gina had been ready for that position (as senator) as early as 2004.
"Buo na ang pasya nila (They have made their decision) for her to run, noon pang bago mag (even before the) 2004 elections. What did they say to us, let us prepare for it first," the source said quoting the couple.
"And I don't believe she will not run dahil meron ng usapan (because an agreement had been made)," the source added.
De Venecia said his wife Gina has been wooed repeatedly in the past to run as senator in the 1992 and 1995 senatorial elections.
He did not mention though that his wife has already been considered to run in the 2004 elections.
De Venecia said Gina’s name had been mentioned prominently in the present senatorial ticket the administration is putting together.
“But she is not keen on running, she just wants to serve,” he said, pointing to her outstanding achievement in putting up The Haven facility for raped and abused women.
The Speaker at the same time said the full administration ticket would be made public close to the start of the campaign period in February.
He refused to name those in the list but quickly added that his wife's name is not included. (DBP/Sunnex)
