Escudero's father, Duranos to run under LP

MANILA, Philippines - Sorsogon Rep. Salvador Escudero, father of Sen. Francis Escudero, and the Duranos of Cebu would be running under the Liberal Party in the 2010 elections.

The Escuderos are former members of the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) while the Duranos were allied with the administration.

Senator Escudero had earlier resigned from the NPC to become an independent but decided against running for any position in 2010 and would instead support a presidential candidate.

LP said Congressman Escudero would seek reelection as Sorsogon representative while Jesus Durano Jr. would run for Cebu congressman and Jesus Durano would join the mayoralty race in Danao City in Cebu.

LP presidential candidate Sen. Benigno Aquino III said they were trying to convince Tourism Secretary Ace Durano to join them but the Cabinet official is not running for any post.

Aquino and his running mate, Sen. Manuel Roxas II, welcomed the thousands of new members joining the LP, which would field a complete “Peoples’ Reform” senatorial ticket and a local lineup in the 2010 elections.

Other local officials who have decided to align with LP include Victor Tanco (Capiz, governor), Antonio del Rosario (Capiz), Roberto Lastimoso (Capiz), Raul Tupas (Iloilo governor), Niel Tupas Sr. (Iloilo), Niel Tupas Jr. (Iloilo), Cesar Montano (Bohol, governor), Hilario Davide III (Cebu, governor), Tomas Osmeña (Cebu City), Richard Gomez (Leyte), Paul Daza (Northern Samar, governor), Raul Daza (Northern Samar), Maria Isabelle Climaco (Zamboanga City), Socorro Acosta (Bukidnon), Ruth Guingona (Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental, mayor), Rodolfo del Rosario (Davao del Norte, governor), Antonio del Rosario (Davao del Norte) and Mujiv Hataman (Basilan, governor).

Other local candidates are: Victor Agbayani (Pangasinan governor), Nani Braganza (Alaminos City, mayor), Grace Padaca (Isabela, governor), Josefina de la Cruz (Bulacan, governor), Joselito Andrew Mendoza (Bulacan), Ed Panlilio (Pampanga, governor), Adonis Simpao (Pampanga), Oscar Rodriguez (San Fernando City, Pampanga mayor), Genaro Mendoza (Tarlac), Marco Manuel Mendoza (Tarlac City, mayor). – With Jose Rodel Clapano