KBL changes heart, adopts Bongbong as top Senate bet

MANILA, Philippines - The Kilusang Bagong Lipunan (KBL) has adopted Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. as its number one senatorial candidate out of as respect for his late father and namesake who founded the party at the height of martial rule in the country.

Lawyer Vicente Millora, KBL chairman, said that aside from Bongbong, the party has included Senators Juan Ponce Enrile and Jinggoy Estrada in its line-up as guest candidates.

Bongbong was the former president of KBL. However, he quit the post in 2007 after the party refused to withdraw its nomination of Joselito Cayetano in its senatorial line-up.

The Ilocos Norte congressman recently forged an alliance with the Nacionalista Party of Sen. Manny Villar.

But the alliance was later recalled after the KBL protested and disowned Bongbong as member.

In a sudden change of heart, Millora said that even if Bongbong has joined Villar’s NP, the KBL would still adopt him as its top senatorial bet.

The KBL also announced that they would fill up its line-up from president down to municipal councilors.

Millora said they have filed a motion for reconsideration on the disqualification of its presidential candidate, Vetellano Acosta, whose running mate is veteran television host Jay Sonza.

“The KBL has a nationwide political structure so we are expecting the Comelec to allow all our candidates to join the elections,” he said.

The KBL has endorsed the candidacies of local candidates, notably former First Lady Imelda Marcos, who is running for the second district congressional seat of Ilocos Norte.