Pimentel adds Freddie Aguilar, TV reporter to PDP-Laban initial senatorial slate

Pimentel disclosed the initial list of the ruling party’s bets with reporters on April 19, Thursday, which listed the music icon Freddie Aguilar and television reporter Jiggy Manicad. (Photo: Senate President Koko Pimentel/Facebook)

Senate President and Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III revealed the possible candidates that the administration is considering for the 2019 senatorial elections, and it included a famous singer-songwriter and a television reporter.

Pimentel disclosed the initial list of the ruling party’s bets with reporters on April 19, Thursday, which listed the music icon Freddie Aguilar and television reporter Jiggy Manicad.

Aguilar is a known supporter of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, as he performed Duterte’s campaign jingle in the inauguration of the President. Duterte has also openly admitted that Aguilar is his favorite singer. Meanwhile, Manicad is an award-winning producer and reporter of GMA Network who has covered several issues in the country for more than ten years.

PDP-Laban’s list also had five members of the majority bloc namely Senators Grace Poe, Sonny Angara, Nancy Binay, JV Ejercito, and Cynthia Villar.

Ejercito earlier commented on the Senatorial slate of House of Representatives Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez that did not include any of the majority bloc.

“Dun po ‘yung sama ng loob ng mga re-electionist senators na naging supportive naman kami bakit parang ayaw kami isama sa administration coalition kung sakali (That is what the re-electionist senators resent, when we were supportive of the administration but it seems that we are not included in the administration coalition if ever),” Ejercito said in a press conference on March 22.

However, Pimentel assured him that “he will fight for them to be included” in the slate.

(Read: Pimentel to fight for senate re-electionists in 2019 Senatorial slate)

Ejercito’s inclusion in the list, however, meant that Pimentel chose him over his estranged half-brother former Senator Jinggoy Estrada who also plans to run for the same post.

“Andyan si JV sa listahan eh. Sana ma-gets na ninyo (JV is already in the list. I hope you get it),” Pimentel told reporters.

Pimentel’s list also included Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, Jr., Special Assistant to the President Secretary Bong Go, and Communications Assistant Secretary Margaux “Mocha” Uson.