1Sambayan names 7 aspirants in its 2022 Senate lineup

Opposition senatorial aspirants Lawyer Alexnader Lacson; incumbent Senators Risa Hontiveros and Leila de Lima; human rights lawyer Chel Diokno; former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV; former Ifugao Rep. Teddy Baguilat; and, labor leader Sonny Matula.

MANILA, Philippines — Opposition coalition 1Sambayan on Wednesday is set to endorse the seven senatorial aspirants who are vying for the 2022 race under the tandem of Vice President Leni Robredo and Senator Francis Pangilinan.

The coalition will officially announce its 2022 line-up on Jan. 28, 1Sambayan convenor Atty. Howard Calleja said in an online press briefing.

The aspirants were incumbent Senators Risa Hontiveros and Leila de Lima; former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV; former Ifugao Rep. Teddy Baguilat; human rights lawyer Chel Diokno; labor leader Sonny Matula; and lawyer and patriotic books author Alexander Lacson.

“We are still open for others but for the 28th, we will declare those seven in our senatorial line-up together with VP Leni and Sen. Kiko,” Calleja said.

Aside from the formal announcement of 1Sambayan’s support for the said aspirants, its proclamation event on Jan. 28 will also feature several live performances from several known “Kakampink” celebrities and messages of solidarity.

During Wednesday’s briefing, singer and actor Ogie Alcasid stressed that the role celebrities play in campaigning for good governance and competent leadership.

Musicians Agat Morallos and Nica del Rosario have a similar view, saying their support for the bids of Robredo and Pangilinan serves as an appeal to those in the entertainment industry to campaign for democracy and poverty alleviation.

“Malaking bagay ang power of influence [The power of influence is a big thing] especially if you have the platform and a big number of followers kasi [because] I think they are still undecided and unsure, and uneducated in terms of what the candidates have done and can do and their platforms,” Del Rosario said.

EDV