Makabayan to continue to cooperate with Robredo-Pangilinan campaign

FILE PHOTO: Senator Kiko Pangilinan (left) and Vice President Leni Robredo. INQUIRER

MANILA, Philippines — The Makabayan bloc will continue to coordinate with the campaign of Vice President Leni Robredo and Senator Francis Pangilinan, even as it still considers the non-inclusion of Bayan Muna chair Neri Colmenares in the senatorial slate of the tandem as a “lost opportunity.”

The Makabayan bloc made the remark after meeting with Robredo last week to discuss “the many points of unity in our platforms.”

“Neri Colmenares’ non-inclusion in the senatorial slate of Vice President Leni Robredo was a lost opportunity in terms of strengthening the opposition against the looming Marcos Duterte alliance for 2022,” the bloc said in a statement.

“Nevertheless, we thank VP Robredo for meeting with us last week to discuss the many points of unity in our platforms,” it added.

The bloc said that while there are issues that require continuing discussions, they welcome Robredo’s positive response to the issues of sovereignty in the West PH Sea, peace talks, human rights, justice and accountability, as well as economic relief from the hardships due to the pandemic.

“These points provide us with a basis to continue engaging with her in pursuit of pro-people and progressive reforms and policies,” the Makabayan bloc said.

“Keenly aware of the most immediate threat today, Makabayan will continue to cooperate with the Robredo-Pangilinan campaign, with the common objective of preventing a Duterte extension or a Marcos restoration,” it added.

Colmenares was not included in the initial list of Robredo and Pangilinan’s senatorial slate, which included 11 names.

Robredo has said that she wants the 12th member of her 2022 Senate slate candidate to “represent the marginalized sector” and that Colmenares and labor leader Sonny Matula are being considered.

READ: Robredo wants 12th candidate in Senate slate to be from marginalized sector