QC Mayor Bautista considers joining 2016 senatorial race

Mayor Herbert “Bistek” Bautista (Facebook photo)

MANILA – Quezon City Mayor Herbert “Bistek” Bautista has not yet officially announced his political plans for next year’s national elections. He admitted, however, that he has been contemplating whether to run for his third and last term as mayor or seek a higher post.

“If you’re asking me, ‘Ano ba talaga gusto mo?’ Of course, I’d rather finish my last term. Marami akong nakabitin, which I know naman Vice Mayor Joy (Belmonte) can continue. But you know, it’s also best na grumaduate ka na nine years ka naman as mayor,” Bautista said in an interview with ANC’s Beyond Politics.

(If you’re asking me, ‘What do you really want?’ Of course, I’d rather finish my last term. I have a lot [of programs and projects] left hanging, which I know Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte can continue. But you know, it’s best to graduate after nine years of being a mayor.)

Although he may opt for reelection, the incumbent QC mayor has also been considered in the ruling Liberal Party’s (LP) line-up of senatorial candidates.

Aside from him, Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno and Kapuso actor Dingdong Dantes have also been reportedly eyed for the LP’s senatorial slate.

But with Senator Grace Poe recently declaring her intention to join the presidential race in the coming general elections, Bautista acknowledged that several politicians may switch parties and political groups may leave alliances.

“I think everybody in the country is just waiting for Grace Poe to decide and then lahat ‘yan magbabaligtaran (everyone will change sides),” he said, adding that he planned to stay with LP.