Makabayan bloc endorses 10 more Senate bets for Eleksyon 2022

Makabayan bloc, the group of progressive lawmakers in the House of Representatives, on Tuesday endorsed 10 more senatorial candidates to complete its 12-man slate for the May 9 elections.

In a virtual press briefing, the coalition identified these 10 as:

• former Ifugao Rep. Teddy Baguilat
• former Vice President Jejomar Binay
• lawyer Chel Diokno
• lawyer Luke Espiritu
• lawyer Alex Lacson
• labor leader Sonny Matula
• reelectionist Senator Leila de Lima
• reelectionist Senator Risa Hontiveros
• Sorsogon Gov. Chiz Escudero
• Antique Rep. Loren Legarda

Makabayan bloc has earlier threw its support behind former Bayan Muna party-list Representative Neri Colmenares and labor leader Elmer Labog.

"Ang deklarasyong ito ng Koalisyong Makabayan ng mga sinusuportahan kandidatong senador ay naghuhudyat ng lalong paglawak ng oposisyon at ng pagkakaisa para sa makabayang pagbabago," said former Bayan Muna representative Satur Ocampo.

"Mahalaga ang pagkakaisang ito upang maipanalo ang interes ng mamamayan at umangat ang kabuhayan ng nakararami, matigil ang paglabag sa mga karapatang pantao, at muling mabuksan ang usapang pangkapayapaan," he added.

(This declaration of support by Makabayan to the aforementioned senatoriables is a mark of the further expansion of the opposition and unity for a real change. This unity is important to champion the interest of the Filipino people, help them uplift the quality of their lives, stop human rights abuses, and continue the peace talks.)

Ocampo further explained the endorsement was made based on the senatorial bets' track records and shared advocacies regarding various issues including red-tagging, the pursuit of peace talks, and human rights.

"Kaisa sila sa pagtataguyod ng repormang sosyo-ekonomiko at pulitikal para lutasin ang ugat ng digmaan at sa pagtataguyod ng peace talks. Kaisa sila sa pagtindig para sa karapatang pantao, pag-amyenda sa Anti-Terror Law, at pagtigil sa red-tagging at pampulitikang panunupil. Kaisa sila sa paggigiit ng pambansang interes at kasarinlan laban sa pagsasamantala at panlalamang ng dayuhang kapangyarihan," Ocampo said.

(They are one with us in pushing for socio-economic and political reforms that would address the root of war. They are one with us in fighting for human rights, amending the Anti-Terror Law, curbing red-tagging and other forms of political repression. They are one with us in fighting for national interest and the country’s independence against the oppression of foreign powers.) —KBK, GMA News