Villar, Legarda formalize bids

MANILA, Philippines – Nacionalista Party standard-bearer Sen. Manny Villar led his party’s bets in lodging their certificates of candidacy at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) office in Intramuros, Manila.

Villar and his running mate Sen. Loren Legarda came with NP senatorial bets Ilocos Norte Gov. Bongbong Marcos, resigned Marine Col. Ariel Querubin, Adel Tamano, Gwen Pimentel, Susan Ople and Mon-Mon Mitra.

Querubin, who is facing court martial charges for his alleged participation in a failed coup in February 200, wore his uniform when he filed his COC. Shortly after filing his COC, Querubin changed into civilian clothes.

Another NP bet, Sen. Pia Cayetano, earlier lodged her COC seeking re-election.

Meanwhile, Gabriela party-list Rep. Liza Maza has been included in the NP's senatorial slate as a guest candidate. Maza and Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo were earlier reported to have formed an alliance with the NP.

But Maza and Ocampo later backed out after the NP's inclusion of Marcos in its senatorial ticket. The party's decision to adopt the son of the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos reportedly did not suit well with the two left-wing congressmen.