(FILE) Former Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, retired Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales, and former Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario (in background pictures) lead the new political coalition 1Sambayan that aims to put up a full unified slate for the 2022 national elections to ensure victory against Duterte administration candidates —RICHARD A. REYES
MANILA, Philippines— Albay 1st District Rep. Edcel Lagman has expressed support for the formation of the opposition coalition 1Sambayan as he called for the opposition’s collective unity in the 2022 national elections.
Using a 10-point system, Laguna detailed in a statement how 1Sambayan will have a better chance against the administration once the elections roll around.
Lagman stressed that cooperation within the opposition is key and that its platform should be anchored on the Constitution and rule of law.
“It is correct for the opposition groups to unify in preparation for the 2022 elections to offset and upset the Duterte forces’ superior machinery and logistics. With the filing of certificates of candidacy in October just seven months away, it is foolhardy and pretentious for others to pontificate that it is too early to talk about the forthcoming elections,” said Lagman.
“It is indeed imperative for a united opposition to have a pool of responsible, credible, respectable, viable and winnable presidentiables and other candidates who are truly oppositionists.”
Lagman added that 1Sambayan’s leadership should listen to a healthy spectrum of the youth, women, marginalized sectors, and seasoned politicians with the last one already holding a wealth of experience when it comes to the nitty-gritty of politics.
There’s also the issue of funding that, Lagman said, is imperative for the group to secure if it plans to stage a nationwide campaign.
Lagman pointed out that the group’s campaign will still bank on the independence of the Commission on Elections and that Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines will accurately and promptly count the votes.
“Campaign for qualified citizens to register and those who are registered to vote. People’s default can doom the 1Sambayan crusade for electoral victory. Organize campaign core groups in all levels from the hinterland barangays to the national fronts,” said Lagman.
“Sustain the momentum, relevance, and advocacy of 1Sambayan.”