FVR endorses JDV III, still mum on presidential pick

Former President Fidel Ramos formally endorsed on Thursday the candidacy of Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP) senatorial aspirant Jose “Joey" de Venecia III, but remained silent on his choice for president in the May polls. Ramos raised the hand of De Venecia—his godson and the son of his long-standing ally, former House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr.—as a sign of support after a forum in Makati on Thursday night. “Sinabi ko na nga, siya [De Venecia] ay matino, matapang, magaling at matuwid (I’ve said it already, he is wise, courageous, competent, and straight)," Ramos said.

The former president, however, refused to talk about his choice for president, saying he would make endorsements “one at a time." Ramos has also earlier expressed support for administration party senatorial candidate, lawyer Raul Lambino. Both Ramos and Lambino hail from the province of Pangasinan. De Venecias happy with Ramos support De Venecia III, who came to prominence after he exposed alleged anomalies in the botched ZTE-National Broadband Network project, welcomed Ramos’ support. “I am very happy that the former President is endorsing me… He is a true statesman and I am glad I’ve had the pleasure of him endorsing me as senator," he said, adding that he hopes the elder politician’s endorsement would boost his chances of winning in the upcoming polls. Former House Speaker De Venecia echoed his son’s optimism, saying that Ramos’ endorsement would “a big help" to his son’s senatorial campaign.—JV, GMANews.TV