Famous noontime show host Willie Revillame is said to be running in the upcoming 2010 national elections. But the Nacionalista Party said that Revillame is not among those being considered to be the running mate of Sen. Manuel Villar Jr. NP spokespersons Gilbert Remulla and Adel Tamano said that the Villar-Revillame team-up was not even discussed by the party.
At the Senate last Tuesday, Tamano even joked that Revillame would only “jog” or run in a marathon, not in the vice-presidential or senatorial race. Meanwhile, Remulla said in “Unang Hirit,” GMA 7’s morning show, that Villar had not asked the host to be his running mate in 2010. “Not once did the party discuss the matter,” Remulla said. “So to all those spreading the rumor, there is no truth to that.”
Also, Remulla said that Revillame might be joking when he said in an interview at Davao City that he was open to run for a national post, either as vice president or senator.
“This is not even mentioned in our discussions. I think before anything [is decided], Senator Villar will consult us first,” Remulla said.“As far as I know, Willie has not even been talked about in any way connected to politics, except for his support for the Villar candidacy.”
Revillame, however, is considered as an “asset” considering the number of followers of Wowowee. “He is a good ally, a good friend to have during a campaign. It’s better to keep him on your side, especially in a presidential campaign.”
In NP’s senatorial ticket, it has Tamano, Remulla, Sen. Pia Cayetano, and Rep. Teofisto Guingona III. The party is also eyeing for Lt. Col. Ariel Querubin, Grace Poe, and Satur Ocampo.
Cayetano is also reportedly being groomed to become Villar’s running mate. But talk is rife that Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada will be picked by Villar should the latter’s father, ousted President Joseph Estrada, bow out of the presidential race.
