Zubiri in Senate lineup with UNA

The decision is  final. The United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) has decided to include resigned Senator Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri in its Senate ticket for the 2013 midterm elections despite the strong objection of Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III.   UNA  spokesperson JV Bautista formally announced the inclusion of Zubiri in the coalition’s senatorial lineup in next May’s elections, along with Zambales Representative Milagros Magsaysay and Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia. “More names will be announced later,” Bautista said. UNA is the recently  formed political alliance between Vice President Jejomar Binay’s Partido ng Demokratikong Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) and former President Joseph Estrada’s Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP). UNA had earlier named Senators Pimentel and Gregorio Honasan, Joey de Venecia, Representative Jack Enrile and Representative JV Ejercito as senatorial bets.

“Pimentel  is still No. 1 in the UNA senatorial slate. He remains president of PDP-Laban and a partner in the coalition,” said Bautista.

But somebody close to Binay that Pimentel had made up his mind. “He has left the coalition…he’s joining the Liberal Party,” said the source who asked not to be named for lack of authority to speak on the matter. UNA had invited Pimentel to its core executive committee meeting but he did not show up.

“There’s no communication from him yet…not a word,” said Bautista. – ( Inquirer)