Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 24) — Re-elected Senator Joel Villanueva spoke of his initial hesitation to join campaign events as a guest candidate from different political tandems ahead of the national elections.

“Noong una, I admit noong the first day parang hindi clear ‘yung lines of communication [At first, I would admit in the very first day it seemed that the lines of communication were unclear] as to what is allowed and what is not allowed,” Villanueva told CNN Philippines. Source Thursday.

Villanueva felt he had yet to join the campaign outings of the main presidential and vice-presidential tandems due to his schedule.

The senator is the guest candidate of the Leni Robredo-Kiko Pangilinan, Ping Lacson-Tito Sotto and Manny Pacquiao-Lito Atienza tandems. He claimed that presidential candidate Isko Moreno and Vice President Sara Duterte have also expressed support for his candidacy.

But Villanueva noted that he would be happy to join outings from different parties if the weather permits or if they are in an area.

“If in case we are in the same place, I would be happy to join them. I also informed them that if they are in my province, my hometown in Bulacan, I could join them, accommodate them if necessary,” he added.

“Clear na po ngayon, we can join the scene, kahit his motorcade. It’s just that ‘yung the common denominator of presidential candidates is not directly endorsing a candidate,added Villanueva.

The senator expressed his gratitude that rival parties, regardless of political differences, share the belief that a “Tesdaman” – which stems from his days as head of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority – is needed in the Senate.

Villanueva said if he wins, he will continue to push for his labor defenses, including passing an anti-end-of-contract or endo measure and amendments to the telecommuting law to benefit workers after the pandemic.