Makabayan endorses 9 poll bets for ‘independent’ Senate

MANILA, Philippines — The Makabayan Coalition has endorsed nine senatorial candidates for the upcoming midterm polls in May 2019 which it said would form an “independent” Senate.

In a statement on Sunday, Makabayan said it would endorse and show support to nine candidates namely former Congressman Neri Colmenares; reelectionist Senators Bam Aquino, Nancy Binay, and Grace Poe; opposition bets Chel Diokno, Samira Gutoc, Florin Hilbay, and Erin Tañada; and former Senator Serge Osmeña.

“In these times of massive poverty, escalating efforts to stifle dissent and a rising threat of dictatorship, where impunity reigns and the system of checks and balances among the Executive, Judiciary and Legislative branches of government is in peril, we need an independent Senate,” the coalition said.

“The upcoming elections gives us the opportunity to elect to the Senate men and women of proven competence and integrity who can assert the Senate’s independence and push for laws that favor our people. Candidates who have a proven track record of public service and a fighting chance to win,” it added.

Makabayan noted that the candidates that they have chosen to endorse and support have common issues and concerns that they are focused on.

They cited as example the candidates’ call to suspend or the repeal of the excise tax provision of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion law, and  their opposition to Charter Change and “similar self-serving, draconian and anti-Filipino amendments to the Constitution” among others.

“We hope that through this endorsement, Makabayan can contribute to the formation of a coalition of independent and opposition candidates that can provide our people the best hope for an independent and pro-people Senate,” Makabayan said. /je