BATANGAS CITY, Philippines – Administration candidates rejected fears that a 12-0 win for Team PNoy will create a yellow Senate, composed of senators who will act as puppets of President Benigno Aquino III.

Campaign manager Franklin Drilon has been repeatedly pushing for a 12-0 win in favor of Team PNoy. Aquino himself said it is a way to ensure that the reforms he has pushed will continue.

On Wednesday, February 13, Team PNoy candidates told reporters in Batangas they will support Aquino but it doesn’t mean they will mindlessly follow him.

Las Piñas Rep Cynthia Villar said if she’s elected, she would not back the President if she didn’t agree with him on the specific issue.

“If these projects are bad, then we will not support them. But I don’t think the President will do that,” she said.

Re-electionist Loren Legarda also said that she would only support Aquino’s work if it’s beneficial, as she has always done, regardless of who mandated it.

“In my 15 years in the Senate, I’ve always been supportive of legislative advocacies that benefit majority of the people. If it will help our country’s progress, why not?,” she said.

Sen Ralph Recto, who showed his support for the slate, also denied it should be a concern. He said he is looking forward to working with the candidates of the President.

“Senators are independent-minded. I’m confident that those chosen are all good candidates,” said Recto. Recto himself is supportive of Aquino but he disagreed with him on major issues, including the recently passed sintax law.

According to Team PNoy’s campaign spokesman Miro Quimbo, a 12-0 sweep is not statistically far-fetched. He said 7 of their candidates are in the Magic 12. He added that the 5 others are within the winning circle.

“It’s always a dream of any team to have all its candidates win,” Quimbo said. – Rappler.com