Miriam endorses Angara, Hontiveros

MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago has endorsed Team PNoy senatorial candidates Juan Edgardo Angara and Risa Hontiveros.

Santiago said Angara is “amazing” for having studied at the University of the Philippines, Harvard University and the London School of Economics.

 â€œ(He has) an astonishing career... he is young and idealistic, also full of sex appeal,” she said.

The 40-year-old Angara was accompanied by his wife Tootsie for a brief shoot at the Santiago residence in La Vista, Quezon City yesterday morning.

“I am endorsing Sonny Angara because I want young people in the Senate,” she said. 

“I don’t like septuagenarians who are actually campaigning for wheelchairs. You know I have never loved these characters who live in a time warp. We have to have young people — Sonny Angara, for example...”

Santiago  said she has always respected Hontiveros  for her convictions, and her willingness to stand for principle.

“I don’t necessarily look for a clone of me, I want someone who has definite views for our country, and who is willing to undergo and make sacrifices, undergo the trials and tribulations of that conviction for our country and Risa fits the bill,” she said. “She is very principled.”

Santiago is also set to endorse for senator Mitos Magsaysay of the United Nationalist Alliance,  although no formal announcement has been made.

Santiago said she looks forward to working with the younger batch of senators for better dynamics at the Senate.

“He (Angara) might have different views from me in the future if I stay in the Senate,” she said.

“But I am sure it will only be because of his perfect credibility on the issues he wants to espouse. So I will respect him for that.”

Angara thanked Santiago for her “no ordinary endorsement.”

“She is known as one of the heavyweights of the Senate,” he said.

“She is no ordinary senator, so this is no ordinary endorsement. Rarely do we see a politician whose influence far outstrips her actual power. Many politicians are powerful but not influential. Sen. Miriam has always been and will continue to be influential.”

Angara said he was “honored, delighted and grateful” for the endorsement of Santiago.

“She is the darling of our youth,” he said.

“Not just because of her audacious wit and intelligence, but also because of her moral courage.”

Angara said he is also hoping to get the bloc vote of the Iglesia ni Cristo, but “I don’t know if it is forthcoming.”

Sources said the INC will be revealing the senators they will be supporting within the week.

The INC leaders have finalized the list but the formal announcement will be made either on Wednesday or Thursday, sources added.

Educational institutions and sectoral groups also expressed support for Angara, including the Philippine Association of Private Schools, Colleges and Universities, the Technical Vocational School Associations of the Philippines (TeVSAPhil), A Teacher, You Against Corruption and Poverty (YACAP), An Waray, Ang Asosayon Sang Mangunguma Bisaya-Owa (AAMBIS-OWA), Alay Buhay, Citizens’ Battle Against Corruption (CIBAC), Ateacher, Aangat Tayo, Abante Mindanao Inc. (ABAMIN), Association of Philippine Electric Cooperatives (APEC), Bagong Henerasyon, and the 1-United Transport Koalisyon (1-UTAK). — Christina Mendez, Paolo Romero