Senator Bam Aquino, one of the nominees of Aksyon Demokratiko, speaks at the oathtaking. GABRIEL PABICO LALU
MANILA, Philippines — Senatorial candidates from different groups such as Otso Diretso and Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) were endorsed by Aksyon Demokratiko on Monday.
Members of the Otso Diretso slate — Senator Bam Aquino, former Deputy Speaker Erin Tañada, and former Solicitor General Florin Hilbay — as well as human rights lawyer Chel Diokno, Marawi civic leader Samira Gutoc, Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano, election lawyer Romulo Macalintal, and former Senator Mar Roxas were officially adopted by Aksyon in a program in San Juan.
They will be joined by Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) senatorial bet former Senator Lito Lapid, who is also part of Aksyon’s official candidates.
Party-list group Luntiang Pilipinas, led by its first nominee Mike Ubac, and Wow Pilipinas nominee Robin Garcia were also presented during the event, where Hilbay and more than 50 local candidates took their oaths as members of Aksyon.
Pasig City Councilor and mayoral candidate Vico Sotto, Pasig congressional candidate Roman Romulo, and Navotas congressional candidate Marielle del Rosario swore their membership to Aksyon chair and former Tarlac 3rd District Rep. Herminio Aquino.
Candidates for the 2019 elections being endorsed by Aksyon Demokratiko. GABRIEL PABICO LALU
“The party has a promising lineup of outstanding public servants. Ako ay lubos na nagagalak sapagkat sa araw na ito, opisyal na naman ang madadagdagan ang mga kasapi at kaagapay ng Aksyon Demokratiko sa pagpapatuloy ng pagsulong sa mga prinsipyong aming ipinaglaban,” Aquino said.
“Hangad natin na masuportahan ang ating mga kandidato upang tuluyang mabigyan ng solusyon ang kahirapan at tuluyang tuldukan ang diskriminasyon,” he added.
Aksyon Demokratiko, which was founded by late former presidential candidate and Senator Raul Roco in 1997, looks to advocate “honest governance and equal opportunity for all”. /je