Jay Sonza, Imelda Papin among 2010 hopefuls

The Marcos-led Kilusang Bagong Lipunan (KBL) on Tuesday fielded a broadcaster and a veteran singer for two electoral posts for the 2010 automated elections. Jay Sonza and Imelda Papin went together to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) main office in Manila past 3 p.m. Tuesday to file their certificates of candidacy (COC) for vice president and senator, respectively. Sonza said the party would not support any presidential aspirant in 2010, but would back Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand “Bongbong" Marcos, Jr.’s senatorial bid under the Nacionalista Party (NP). “May blessing kami ng partido sa aming pagtakbo. Hindi naman namin kailangan ang blessing ni Bongbong para tumakbo, pero definitely susuportahan namin ang kandidatura niya," he said. (We have the party’s blessing in running in 2010. Although we don’t need Bongbong’s blessing, we will definitely support his candidacy.) According to Sonza, KBL is fielding 120 congressmen, 50 governors and several other barangay officials in key areas in the 2010 automated polls. “We have revitalized the party and we hope the people will rally behind our programs of government," he said. Papin, for her part, said she sacrificed her career in the US for her senatorial bid. “Atin pong nadesisyunan na tumakbo bilang senador sa kabila po ng aking napakagandang career sa Amerika. Akin pong tinatalikuran ang aking TV and radio shows doon," said Papin, a former vice governor of Camarines Sur province. (I decided to leave my good career in the US just to be able to run for the Senate. I had TV and radio shows there.) Papin, who popularized the song “Isang Linggong Pag-ibig," sang the party’s official campaign song, “Magkaisa Tayo," after filing her COC. The KBL was formed in 1978 by then President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and continues to enjoy support from the late dictator’s home province, Ilocos Norte. - Andreo Calonzo/KBK GMANews.TV