To run or not to run? Bong Revilla to announce decision next week, says Pichay

Detained former Senator Ramon Bong Revilla Jr is expected to announce next week whether or not he will run for senator in next year's midterm elections, according to his party-mate, House Deputy Speaker Prospero Pichay Jr.

Interviewed on Dobol B sa News TV on Friday, Pichay said he and several Lakas-CMD members visited Revilla recently in his detention cell in Camp Crame to convince him to run in the 2019 elections.

"We still consider him a very important part of the party," Pichay said.

Pichay said Revilla may announce his decision on his birthday on the 25th.

In convincing Revilla to run, Pichay said they told him that he ranks 7th in "private surveys" despite the fact that he has yet to decide on his candidacy.

"Sa private surveys lumalabas Number 7 siya. Yan di pa naga-announce na tatakbo. Pag nag-announce 'yan, tataas 'yan," he said.

Pichay said Revilla was reluctant at first, telling them that he intends to face his plunder case first in connection with the alleged pork barrel scam. Revilla also reportedly doubts he could campaign well while in detention. 

Pichay said later in their meeting, Revilla asked them to give him "a few days" to decide, as he intends to talk first with his family, especially his father, the former Senator Ramon Revilla Sr, first.

"At first he refused. [Sabi niya] 'Hind muna siguro, aayusin ko muna itong kaso ko. Wala naman tayo kasalanan.' Pero at the end of the day, sabi niya, kasi pinipilit talaga siya, kahit 'di ka makakampanya, kami na lang, marami ka namang kaibigan. Sabi niya, 'Give me a few days'," Pichay said. —KBK, GMA News