Metro Manila, Philippines – A party-list coalition in the House of Representatives said it is in talks with the Liberal Party (LP) to come up with a Senate slate for next year’s midterm elections.
Alliance of Concerned Teachers Rep. France Castro Castro told NewsWatch Plus on Wednesday, July 17, that the “Makabayan” bloc may join forces with like-minded people.
“Kami naman ay open din naman sa ibang indibidwal na labas sa Makabayan with the same principle as ours. So, ‘yung paninindigan ‘yung tinitindigan naming issues ay open din naman kami,” she said.
[Translation: We are open to individuals outside Makabayan with the same principle as ours. Someone who will fight for the issues we fight for, we are open for that.]
“Nag-usap ‘yung aming leadership with the Liberal Party. I’m not privy pa rin sa pinag-usapan pero ongoing naman ‘yang pag-uusap sa iba’t ibang indibidwal, party ng opposition na gustong sumama sa amin,” she added.
[Translation: Our leadership talked to the Liberal Party. I’m not privy to the discussion but talks with different individuals, opposition parties that want to join us are ongoing.]
The LP has yet to identify people it would endorse to run for senator.
The Makabayan senatorial slate has two names so far: Castro and Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas. The group said it will announce the final lineup on Aug. 26.
Castro said Makabayan bets are the alternative choice for the masses.
“Ito ‘yung political statement namin sa susunod na eleksyon, na sabi namin, taumbayan naman. Kasi ang pagpipilian lang ng taumbayan dito ay Duterte versus Marcos, wala doon ang taumbayan. Kami ‘yung alternatiba para sa taumbayan. Nakita naman ‘yung track record namin sa ginagawa namin sa House, ginagawa naming sa labas ng House of Representatives at track record naming na tingin natin ay enough na para maisulong ‘yung kapakanan ng ating taumbayan,” she said.
[Translation: This is our political statement for the next election. We said, the people first. Because the choices are Duterte and Marcos, there is no one for the people there. We are the alternative choice for the public. You can see our track record in and out of the House of Representatives. I think that is enough to push for the public’s welfare.]
NewsWatch Plus Correspondent Daniza Fernandez contributed to this report.
