With 3 VP bets, NP to support 'winnable' candidate

MANILA, Philippines – The Nacionalista Party (NP) on Tuesday said there is a possibility that with three members running for the same position next year, their political party will support the candidacy of whoever appears to be the leading candidate for vice presidency.

Sen. Cynthia Villar said that although the NP has decided not to support any of its three vice presidential bets - Sens. Alan Peter Cayetano, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV - there is a possibility that they will support the apparent leading candidate next year.

“May possibility, yes. Kung obvious na na may isang mananalo," Villar said during the interview at the Kapihan sa Senado.

Villar said that Marcos has a territorial advantage over Cayetano and Trillanes but she said that it is too early to conclude who the leading vice presidential candidate is so far.

“I think may bailiwick siya. That has always been his advantage. Sa anim na kandidato, anim ang maghahati, 'yung may bailiwick ka, advantage iyon,” Villar said.

The senator refused to disclose the vice presidential candidate most NP members support.

She also clarified that the three NP members who are gunning for presidency did not abandon NP amid controversy that they abandoned the political party by filing as independent candidates.

“Talagang hindi pwedeng magfile ang marami sa isang partido, the party can only endorse one for every position. We opt not to issue so lahat sila independent. But it doesn't mean hindi sila NP,” Villar said.

“Nag-uusap naman kami, talagang wala lang choice kasi the party cannot endorse three candidates,” she added.

Meanwhile, Villar said NP is not yet sure whether they will endorse a presidential candidate. She however disclosed that all candidates are wooing their party to gain support.

Villar said the party has yet to meet regarding the decision but it is too early to convene.

“Hindi rin tayo sure, depende. Kasi even our VPs, iba-iba ang president nila,” Villar said.

“Baka the party would decide na doon na lang sa VP kasi may chance manalo. It's not me, it's them,” she added.