LP forming senatorial lineup for 2010 elections

MANILA, Philippines - A television celebrity, sons of former senators, a former Cabinet secretary, and some incumbent local officials are among those being considered by the Liberal Party for its 12-man senatorial slate in the 2010 elections. This was revealed by Cavite Rep. Joseph Emilio Aguinaldo Abaya, who was tasked by LP chairman former Sen. Franklin Drilon to head the party’s Electoral Preparatory Committee. In a text message to GMANews.TV, Abaya said the aside from Drilon, other personalities being considered for the LP senatorial lineup are: • former Agriculture Secretary Florencio “Butch" Abad • Muntinlupa Rep. Rozanno Rufino “Ruffy" Biazon, son of last-termer Sen. Rodolfo Biazon • Quezon Rep. Erin Tanada, son of former Sen. Wigberto Tanada • former Bukidnon Rep. Neric Acosta • Naga Mayor Jesse Robredo • Isabela Gov. Grace Padaca • Pampanga Gov. Ed Panlilio • TV personality Cory Quirino, a granddaughter of the late President Elpidio Quirino According to Abaya, the Electoral Preparatory Committee would pave the way for the nomination of party candidates at the national level, particularly the senatorial candidates. According to him, the party is determined to blend heart, brawn, and brains in its national slate through a selection process that would signal the primacy of the people rather than those with vested interests. "They must be of proven integrity and civic spirit," Abaya, a grandson of former President Emilion Aguinaldo, said. "We are looking for people who will constitute a genuine choice between the immediate past we have suffered and the future we aspire for." "We will open up a fair process in which the choice of party members will be given utmost respect in an arena of free and merit-based discussions," he added. "We will field a strong ticket of reform-oriented leaders from within the Party and from allied groups and parties who share with us a common vision for our country’s progress." The LP is said to be grooming Sen. Mar Roxas as the party’s standard bearer. Roxas is also qualified to seek reelection bid as senator if he decides not to seek the presidency. Based on the latest survey of Social Weather Stations, Roxas is in seventh place with just 10 percent rating from 1,200 respondents. Leading the race was administration ally Vice President Noli de Castro with 31 percent, followed by Sen. Loren Legarda with 28 percent, and Sen. Manny Villar with 27 percent. Next were Sen. Francis G. Escudero with 19 percent, Sen Panfilo M. Lacson with 14 percent, and former President Joseph Estrada with 11 percent. - Fidel Jimenez, GMANews.TV