Edu to run in 2010 polls if 'it's the right time'
By Reyma Buan-Deveza and Trina Lagura, abs-cbnNEWS.com | 10/14/2009 5:41 PM
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MANILA – Actor-television host Edu Manzano said on Wednesday that he has yet to decide on whether to stay in private sector or run for public office in 2010 elections.
In a phone interview, Manzano said he will only enter the political arena next year if “it’s the right time” and if he feels that he “can fully devote” himself in public service.
The “Pilipinas, Game KNB?” host, the resigned chairman of the Optical Media Board (OMB), did not deny that there are several offers for him to either run for senator or a local position in Makati City.
In a press statement, the United Opposition (UNO) has already included the actor on its initial senatorial list.
Manzano said deposed president Joseph Estrada and his son, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, separately talked to him two months ago to convince him to join UNO.
UNO is comprised of the former president’s Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP) and Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay's Partido ng Masang Pilipino (PDP-Laban).
Although he has already been shortlisted, the actor clarified that his mind is not yet made up. He added that the Estradas are not pressuring him to make a decision right away.
Estrada's spokesperson Margaux Salcedo said the official declaration of UNO’s senatorial line-up will be made on October 21.
“As far as we know, they (candidates) have spoken with the president (Estrada) and they expressed their interest to run in Senate,” Salcedo said.
UNO's initial list includes Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, the young Estrada, Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago (guest candidate), Congressmen Teodoro Locsin Jr. (Makati City), Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (Ilocos Norte), Rodolfo Plaza (Agusan del Sur), Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim, lawyer Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III, Grace Poe-Llamanzares, and businessman Jose “Joey" de Venecia III. -Reyma Buan-Deveza and Trina Lagura, abs-cbnNEWS.com
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