Loren to announce political plans on Friday

MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Loren Legarda will announce her political plans for next year at Rizal Park in Manila on Friday.

“Surprise,” Legarda told The STAR when asked what position she would seek in 2010.

Legarda said she would discuss her platform of government and other advocacies on that day, which would also be a celebration of her late mother’s birthday tomorrow.

Legarda has a tree-planting project at the Rizal Park.

In her invitation for Friday’s event, Legarda said she would have a job fair, medical mission and outreach program beginning at 2 p.m. until 6 p.m.

There will be free vaccination against pneumonia and breast cancer as well as free haircuts and calls.

Legarda, a member of the Nationalist People’s Coalition, will make the announcement after the activities.

Meantime, some 15,000 people are expected to gather today in Plaza Hernandez in Tondo, Manila to witness the formal announcement of former President Joseph Estrada and Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay of their official tandem in next year’s presidential elections.

In a statement, Joey Salgado, Makati information and community relations chief, said the United Opposition is also expected to announce its eight official senatorial candidates.

UNO is comprised of Estrada’s Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino and the Partido Demokratikong Pilipino-Laban ng Alyansang Makabayan (PDP-Laban) headed by Binay.

Salgado said the event will start at 4 p.m. and end at 8 p.m. at the Plaza Hernandez in front of the Sto. Niño Church in Tondo, Manila. – Aurea Calica, Jose Rodel Clapano