Manila, Philippines — “Whatever happened to uniting all forces of opposition to frustrate Duterte’s hold to power and the return of the Marcoses to Malacañang? Without Colmenares, Vice President Robredo’s senatorial line up is more of a representation of traditional politicians and their political interests than a representation of the marginalized,” according to the militant fishers’ group Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (PAMALAKAYA) on Friday. The fishers’ group expressed disappointment over non-inclusion of Makabayan senatorial candidate Neri Colmenares on Vice President Leni Robredo’s senate slate for the 2022 national elections.
“Vice President Robredo needs Atty. Colmenares more than some people in her slate that do not have any credibility to be called opposition, simply put. Talking about opposition, Colmenares, along with the people’s organizations that he is affiliated with, have been at the forefront of fighting the terrors, corruption, and puppetry of the Duterte regime,” Fernando Hicap, PAMALAKAYA National Chairperson said in a statement.
PAMALAKAYA challenged Robredo to explain publicly on how did she come up with her Senate bets.
“What was the process of selecting the candidates in her slate? Amid Colmenares’ 2nd ranking in 1Sambayan internal survey, why didn’t he make it to the line up of the presidentiable that the coalition has endorsed? Did someone from her camp gate keep the slate and consciously excluded Colmenares?” Hicap added.
“Regardless, we commit to pledge our 100% voting support to Colmenares, as well as labor leader Bong Labog, the candidates who genuinely champion the rights of the marginalized such as farmers, fishers, and workers,” ended Hicap.
