PNS — Purefoods star player James Yap and his son Baby James will join the campaign sortie of the Liberal Party team probably next week.
This was announced here by LP presidential bet Noynoy Aquino as he congratulates his brother-in-law for winning the championship game in Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) against (sweep 4-0) the Alaska Team.
Yap, the Most Valuable Player of the PBA Conference, is the husband of television host-actress Kris Aquino, Noynoy’s sister.
“Sasama na si James sa mga susunod na lakad. Walang-wala eh sweep (4-0 Purefoods vs Alaska),” Aquino told the Manila-based mediamen over a dinner here the other night.
Aside from the cager, Aquino said the LP supporters should also expect the presence of his nephew Baby James in the campaign.
“Matagal nang inaalok na isama sa kampanya. Ngayon sasama na sila dahil tapos na ang basketball ni James,” Aquino added.
Aquino, together with his running-mate Senator Mar Roxas and the 13 LP senatorial slate is expected to launch a four-day campaign in Visayas and Mindanao region.
Yap is a native of Negros Occidental.
Aquino, however, clarified that Baby James presence in the campaign depends on the cities or environment. “Mahirap naman isama sa lahat ng lakad kasi bata. Siguro mamimili tayo pero talagang hinahanap sila ng tao,” he added.
He said his sister Kris is expected also to join the campaign soon.
When asked if his uncle, Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco will fully support his candidacy, he immediately answered: Siyempre, alam n’yo na iyon.”
Danding is the owner of San Miguel Beer Corporation. He owns four PBA teams — San Miguel Beermen, Barangay Ginebra, Purefoods and Coca-Cola.
In the championship game the other night, almost all Purefoods players wore yellow arm bands but there’s no official statement yet if this a sign of support for the candidacy of Aquino.