4 more aspirants join CNN Philippines’ senatorial forum

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 24) — With less than two months left before the elections, four more aspirants face off in CNN Philippines senatorial forum on Sunday, March 24.

The following aspirants will answer tough questions on the country’s pressing issues:

Melchor Gongora Chavez

Chavez is running for a senate seat under the Labor Party Philippines, or more known as Workers and Peasants Party.

He is a broadcast journalist who previously served as the national president of the Association of Commentators and Announcers of the Philippines.

He has a degree in political science from Notre Dame College.

Chavez is pushing for land reform, freedom for information, and early retirement for workers as his main advocacies.

Nur-ana “Lady Ann” Suhaili Sahidulla

Sahidulla, who runs under the Katipunan ng Demokratikong Pilipino, is among the two Muslim bets who will participate in the forum.

She served as mayor of Banguingui (formerly Tongkil) in Sulu from 1998 to 2001, then as vice governor of the province from 2004 to 2010. She also represented the second district of Sulu from 2010 to 2013.

Among her advocacies are the promotion of peace and unification of Muslims and non-Muslims, improvement of marine economic protection, and wage increase.

In 1995, she founded Anak Ilo Foundation which provides scholarships to orphans.

A businesswoman, Sahidulla has a degree in commerce from Zamboanga Arturo Eustaquio Colleges and mass communication from Western Mindanao State University.

Ibrahim Hussein “Shariff” Albani

Also running under the Labor Party Philippines, Albani advocates for safe elections in the Bangsamoro region, disarmament of private armed groups, and government’s shift to federalism.

He previously worked as the consultant on Muslim affairs at the office of the governor in Tawi-Tawi.

Albani was the founding chairman and president of the Unity for Revival Foundation, where he pushed for the swift resolution of Mindanao conflicts and peace processes.

He was also the founding chairman of the International Movement on Peace, Unity and Reconciliation, as well as president of Muslim-Mindanao Poor Association

National Adviser, Christian-Muslim in Lumad Association.

Albani has honorary doctorate degree in humanities from the International Academy for Leadership and Management Edmond in Oklahoma, USA, and master’s degree in public administration from Manuel L. Quezon University.

In 1994, he finished criminology in Universidad de Zamboanga.

Rodolfo “RJ” Javellana Jr.

Javellana is also a Katipunan ng Demokratikong Pilipino bet.

He is advocating the protection of consumers’ rights, development of agro-industry, and price stability for basic utilities such as water and energy.

Javellana previously led several groups pushing for consumer protection such as the United Filipino Consumers and Commuters; United Filipino Consumers and Commuters; and Water for all Refund Movements.

He was also the secretary general of Luntiang Pangarap (Green Team) Inc.

Javellana has a degree in political science from the Lyceum of the Philippines University.

Get to know these candidates in CNN Philippines’ Senatorial Forum this Sunday at 5 pm.