MANILA, Philippines – Is Justice Secretary Leila de Lima going to run for senator?
On Monday, April 27, De Lima said she is being playfully prodded to run, but said there has been no formal talks with the ruling Liberal Party (LP).
“Are there plans? The Liberal Party hasn’t specifically or formally talked to me. Informally, there’s some playful prodding from some of them. But there are no official talks or formal talks, so why would I resign if there are no sure plans?” she said.
De Lima also said Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II is one of those that pushes her often.
The Cabinet secretary however, did not close her doors to the possibility, saying she would “think about it.” For now however, she said her focus is still on her work at the Department of Justice.
“In fact, I’m making a list of the most pressing and the most important tasks that need to be finished before I leave, whenever that would be,” she said.
“That’s what I’m focused on. So I’m just waiting for any invitation to any formal plan if ever. Because if I already give a statement on that, and I confirm anything with respect to [that], people might say that all I’m doing now is to advance any political plans, and I don’t want that.”
Rumors have been rife that De Lima is planning to run for senator in 2016. Roxas meanwhile, is the presumed standard-bearer of the LP, although he has yet to declare his candidacy.
A recent Pulse Asia survey showed De Lima has a chance to win a senatorial seat, with 33.8% saying they would vote for her, which places her in 12th spot. Twelve senators will be elected in 2016. – Rappler.com
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