Colmenares says Makabayan backs Leni-Kiko tandem

MANILA (UPDATED)— Opposition coalition 1Sambayan on Friday included former party-list lawmaker Neri Colmenares in its Senate slate for the May 9 elections, as the group also formally endorsed Vice President Leni Robredo's presidential bid.

Colmenares, who was initially excluded in Robredo's Senate lineup, joins 7 other senatorial aspirants that 1Sambayan earlier named in its slate.

• READ: 1Sambayan bares initial Senate bets

During 1Sambayan's event, the human rights lawyer said he was able to speak with the coalition's conveners regarding the need for a "united opposition."

Colmenares also said that the Makabayan coalition is endorsing the tandem of Robredo and Pangilinan because of their stance on human rights, pandemic response, and workers' issues.

JUST IN: Former party-list lawmaker Neri Colmenares confirms he was endorsed by 1Sambayan as senator for #Halalan2022.

Colmenares was excluded in VP Robredo's slate.

>https://t.co/cFIECFrPdb pic.twitter.com/qEkH3azris

— Job Manahan (@jobmanahan) January 28, 2022

"Masaya ako na nagbunga ang ating pagsisikap. Isang malaking karangalan sa akin na mapili bilang isa sa mga senatorial candidates ng 1Sambayan," Colmenares said in his message.

(I am happy that our efforts bore fruit. This is a huge honor for me to be included in 1Sambayan's senatorial candidates.)

"Ako ay nananalig na sa ating pinagkaisang lakas, tayo ay magtatagumpay laban sa tambalan ng kadiliman na nais ipagpatuloy ang tiranya at baluktot na pamamahala sa ating bansa."

(I believe that with a united front, we will be able to beat the darkness who want to continue their tyranny and bad leadership in our country.)

The following senatorial hopefuls got the support of the coalition for Halalan 2022 so far:

• Neri Colmenares
• Alex Lacson
• Chel Diokno
• Jose Sonny Matula
• Leila de Lima
• Risa Hontiveros
• Sonny Trillanes
• Teddy Baguilat

1Sambayan convenor retired Supreme Court associate justice Antonio Carpio says they could add more "as we receive the public declarations of support to the Leni-Kiko ticket from the other senatorial candidates who would then be included in our list."

ROBREDO SAYS SENATORIAL SLATE UNITED

During the event, Robredo said the senatorial candidates of 1Sambayan are ready to set aside differences and communicate because they all envision a better Philippines.

• READ: Robredo stresses unity amid history of bad blood among candidates in Senate slate

"May mga pagkakataong magkaiba ang mga pananaw natin pero mas mdalas sana malinaw ang pagkakahanay natin at sa lahat ng pagkakataon, bukas at mainit ang ugnayan natin," the Vice President said.

(There are times that our perspectives differ but most of the time our alignments are clear and our communications are open.)

"Handa tayo lagi makinig at mag-usap bilang kapwa nagmamahal sa bansang Pilipinas. Batid natin kung gaano kaimportante ang eleksyon na ito."

(We are always ready to listen and talk among each other because we love the country. We all know how important this election is.)

Robredo's running mate, Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan urged Filipinos to use their right to vote this year.

It is important, the lawmaker said, to reach out to those who have yet to pick a candidate for the polls, which is why their supporters should campaign for the truth.

• READ: Robredo stresses unity amid history of bad blood among candidates in Senate slate

"Marami tayong solusyon na kinakailangang gawin at kasama ang lehislatura... para ang mga solusyon na ito ay mapatupad," he told supporters.

(We have a lot of solutions that we need to implement in partnership with the legislative branch.)

In his message, Trillanes said the endorsement of 1Sambayan is a "big help" for their campaign, noting that democracy is at stake.

"Susuportahan natin ang programa ni VP Leni na naka-angkla sa... tapat na pamumuno. Itutuloy pa rin natin ang advocacy laban sa corruption. Ang pera para sa mahihirap, hindi dapat napupunta sa bulsa ng iilan," Trillanes said.

(We will support the programs of VP Leni that is anchored on honest leadership. We will continue our advocacy against corruption. The money of the poor should not be pocketed by the powerful few.)

De Lima, on the other hand, said Robredo and Pangilinan are the best candidates to run the country because of their principles.

"Titiyakin namin na ang Senado ay magiging bulwagan... na magpoprotekta sa interes ng taumbayan," she said.

(We will ensure that the Senate will be a chamber that would protect the interest of the public.)

1Sambayan's proclamation event for Robredo and Pangilinan also featured performances from the Apo Hiking Society, Ogie Alcasid, and National Artist Ryan Cayabyab, among other singers

• READ: Colmenares says Trillanes behind exclusion from Robredo senatorial slate