The two militant representatives earlier had considered an alliance with the NP but later changed their minds and filed their certificates of candidacy as independent candidates when the NP forged a coalition with the KBL with Marcos’ son, Ilocos Norte Gov. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., as one of the NP’s senatorial candidates.

Ocampo and Maza, who belong to Makabayan, a coalition of extreme left party-list groups, said the NP should not forget the atrocities of the Marcos regime.

The NP, however, will keep the younger Marcos as a guest candidate for senator, but Villar assured Ocampo and Maza that he will fight for the promotion of human rights in the country.

Ocampo said the last time they talked about the platform of government with Villar, the NP standard-bearer shared with Makabayan the commitment to pursue indemnification of the human rights victims of the Marcoses and recovery of the ill-gotten wealth of the late dictator’s family.

Bongbong files COC

Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. filed yesterday his certificate of candidacy for senator under Villar’s Nacionalista Party.

“I will run for senator. I strongly believe that I can contribute greatly as a senator especially on issues involving the economy. We need a genuine change in government. A new government and a new leadership that would seriously uplift the lives of the Filipino people,” said Bongbong, who was accompanied by his sister Aimee.

Facing media, the 52-year-old Bongbong was hounded by questions regarding his father and namesake, former President Ferdinand Marcos.

“I don’t think of policy in terms of what my father did and didn’t do. The problems that the Philippines is facing now are different from those during the time of my father,” he said.

Asked how different he is from his father, he replied: “I don’t make that comparison. I look at a problem as it exists in front of me. I look at a situation as it exists today and that’s how I approach problem solving.”

“There seems to be this assumption that my name is becoming a hindrance. I am very proud and I feel very lucky to be a Marcos. The fact that my name is Ferdinand Marcos has been nothing but advantageous to my entire political career. I consider myself to be lucky to be born of remarkable parents and public servants,” he added.

He vowed to push for reforms in education and the economy and to fight graft and corruption.

Villar bares NP senatorial lineup

Nacionalista Party standard bearer Sen. Manuel Villar Jr. yesterday bared his party’s list of senatorial candidates.

With only two days left before the end of the filing of certificates of candidacy with the Commission on Elections (Comelec), Villar said the slate is almost complete with the inclusion of retired Col. Ariel Querubin and Gwen Pimentel, daughter of Senate minority leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr.

Also included in the NP Senate slate are lawyer Adel Tamano, Toots Ople, Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand “BongBong” Marcos, Satur Ocampo of Bayan Muna, Liza Maza of Gabriela, re-electionist Sen. Pia Cayetano, and Senators Miriam Defensor Santiago (a rabid supporter of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and former President Joseph Estrada) and Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., the last four as guest candidates.

“It’s almost complete. We are just finalizing the details on some who are joining us,” Villar said.

Villar is reportedly talking with Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Bayani Fernando and former Sen. Vicente “Tito” Sotto to become part of the NP slate.

“We are friends with Bayani Fernando. I am not prepared to announce anything today. My policy is to give them leeway to initiate the announcement of their decision to join us in our party,” Villar said in an interview after attending the retirement
Mass for Querubin at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

Senator Manny Villar's running mate as Vice President is Senator Loren Legarda of the traditional political party, the Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC). NPC is the party founded and funded by Marcos crony Danding Cojuangco.