DepEd's Lapus aborts planned senatorial bid

Education Secretary Jesli Lapus will no longer push through with his senatorial bid in next year’s elections. Lapus said he arrived at the decision after consultations with members of his family. “After consulting with my family, I decided not to join the senatorial race for the 2010 elections even though my name came out on several occasions as a possible candidate for a seat in the Senate," he said. Lapus’ announcement came a day after Senator Francis “Chiz" Escudero left the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), of which the Education chief is also a member. It was however unclear whether or not Lapus will stick with NPC, a party headed by business tycoon Eduardo "Danding" Cojuangco Jr. Lapus’ spokesperson, Kenneth Tirado, said the Education chief would instead focus on his job until President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s term ends on June 30, 2010. “Suggestion ng family niya na huwag muna siyang tumakbo at mag-focus muna siya sa pag-manage ng DepEd," he said. (His family’s suggestion is for him to concentrate on his job in running DepEd instead.) - with Andreo Calonzo, GMANews.TV