By Gabriela Baron
Progressive group Makabayan coalition is endorsing 12 senatorial candidates in the upcoming May elections.
The coalition on Tuesday, April 26, announced that it is backing the senatorial bids of former Vice President Jejomar Binay, Teddy Baguilat, Atty. Chel Diokno, Atty. Luke Espiritu, Atty. Sonny Matula, and Alex Lacson.
Reelectionists Leila de Lima and Risa Hontiveros also secured the group’s endorsement, as well as former lawmakers Chiz Escudero and Loren Legarda.
“Ang deklarasyong ito ng koalisyong Makabayan ng mga sinusuportahang kandidatong senador ay naghuhudyat ng lalong paglawan ng oposisyon at ng pagkakaisa para sa makabayang pagbabago,” former Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo said during a press briefing.
“Mahalaga ang pagkakaisang ito upang maipanalo ang interes ng mamamayan at umangat ang kabuhayan ng ating nakararami, matigil ang paglabag sa mga karapatang tao, at muling mabuksan ang naudlot na usaping pangkapayapaan,” Ocampo added.
Makabayan bloc earlier backed the candidacies of former Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares and Kilusang Mayo Uno Chairperson Elmer “Ka Bong” Labog.
Makabayan is a coalition of leftist lawmakers from political groups, including Bayan Muna, GABRIELA, ACT Teachers, Anakpawis, and Kabataan. – ag
