PNoy: TESDA chief 'definitely' with us

MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III said Wednesday that embattled Technical Educational and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) chief Joel Villanueva will join the Liberal Party's (LP) senatorial ticket.

After presiding the LP National Executive Council convention, Aquino refuted reports that Villanueva will not be part of the administration's senatorial line-up amid his apparent rift with Justice Secretary Leila De Lima.

"Intriga lang 'yon. Definitely he is with us. Pero i-a-announce natin lahat next week 'yan," Aquino said.

Earlier this month, Villanueva said he does not want to run with De Lima, another expected senatorial candidate of the LP.

Villanueva said he is not comfortable with De Lima since he was included by the Department of Justice in the list of former lawmakers who had allegedly plundered their pork barrel funds.

"I cannot run with someone who thinks I’m a criminal," Villanueva said in previous press conference.

Villanueva said he's not yet 100 percent sure of his plan to run for senator.

The Cabinet official also said he's still open to other political parties but has not made any decision yet.

In June, Aquino praised Villanueva for the accomplishments of TESDA under his watch.

Aquino said Villanueva deserves a higher position in government.

"Ang mga kagaya ni Joel na tunay na naglilingkod ang mga kailangan nating panatilihin sa serbisyo. Pinatunayan na niya ito sa TESDA. Sigurado po ako, ganito rin ang gagawin niya kapag nabigyan siya ng mas malawak na tungkulin sa ating bansa," Aquino said.