PNoy on TESDA chief as LP Senate bet: He’s with us

President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday confirmed that Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) Director General Joel Villanueva is included in the senatorial line-up of the ruling Liberal Party (LP).

“Definitely, he is with us. Pero ia-announce natin lahat next week ‘yan,” Aquino said in an ambush interview.

Aquino also dismissed as “intrigue” the reports that Villanueva was not keen on joining the LP slate.

Villanueva earlier claimed that some LP stalwarts identified with party standard bearer Manuel “Mar” Roxas II want him out of the LP’s senatorial ticket.

He suspects this is the same group who was behind the graft charges filed against him in connection with the multibillion-peso pork barrel scam.

Also on Wednesday, the LP formally nominated four of its members to be part of its senatorial slate. They are Senate President Franklin Drilon, and Senators Ralph Recto, Teofisto “TG” Guingona III, and former Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan.

The LP is set to announce its complete slate, along with its vice-presidential candidate, on October 5. —KBK, GMA News