Philippine Local News

Lani Mercado, Dato Arroyo, Martin Romualdez eye Senate seats

September 25, 2014 Philippine Local News

Three lawmakers—Cavite Rep. Lani Mercado, Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and Camarines Sur Rep. Dato Arroyo—have expressed openness to run for senator in the 2016 national elections.

This was revealed by Raul Lambino, chief of staff of former President and current Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

Dato is the son of the former president, Romualdez is the nephew of former First Lady Imelda Marcos, while Mercado is the wife of detained Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.

‘Strong candidates’?

The three lawmakers are members of Lakas CMD, of which Romualdez is president.

Dato Arroyo and Romualdez are both on their third and last terms as congressmen, while Mercado is eligible for one more term in Congress.

Like the former president, Mercado’s husband, Senator Bong Revilla, is detained on a plunder charge in connection with the P10 billion pork barrel scam of Janet Lim Napoles.

“Lani Mercado has that option to run for 2016 and she is open to that option. Same is true with Congressman Martin Romualdez. Congresswoman Lani has one term left. Congressman Dato Arroyo, son of former president Arroyo, is on his third term. He is also open to that option of running for the Senate and this is the first time that Congressman Dato has manifested that interest, to be open to that possibility,” Lambino said.

He added: “At least we have three strong candidates for the Senate in 2016. Maybe we could muster 4 or 5 or 6.”

Gloria’s voting challenge

Lambino said the former President will also seek her last term as congresswoman of Pampanga’s 2nd District.

“Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will run for another term in her district in Pampanga. That is for certain,” he said.

The Sandiganbayan has ordered the Commission on Elections to allow the former president to activate her voter’s registration. She has not been able to vote for two elections since she is detained.

“The Sandiganbayan has ordered the Comelec, directing the municipal election supervisor of Pampanga, to personally register, to come and visit the former President and have her name reactivated because she’s already a registered voter,” Lambino said.

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