Makabayan bloc launches Colmenares’ senate bid; Poe to grace event

Members of the Makabayan bloc and supporters of Rep. Neri Colmenares await the start of the program launching his senatorial bid.

Thousands of Makabayan bloc members gathered at San Andres Sports Complex, Malate, Manila on Wednesday for the launching of the senatorial bid of Bayan Muna Representative Neri Colmenares.

Colmenares’ senatorial bid will be launched during the 3rd National Convention of the Makabayan bloc, a progressive coalition, which is scheduled to start at 1:30 pm.

Senator Grace Poe will be the guest of honor but she is scheduled to deliver her speech at 4pm.

Included in the coalition are Bayan Muna, Anakpawis, Gabriela, Piston, Act Teachers Partylist, Kabataan, Sulong Katribu, Migrante, among others.

Some members were wearing red shirts with printed words: “Neri Colmenares for senator movement.”

READ: Colmenares eyes Senate bid

Colmenares’ supporters were also chanting his name while holding banners and streamers when they arrived at the venue.

There was also one poster plastered on the wall, which reads: “Grace-Chiz 2016” the same banner used during the launching of Poe’s team up with Senator Francis Escudero last September 17.

READ: It’s official: Grace Poe, Chiz Escudero to run together in 2016

But former Anakpawis Partylist Rep. Rafael Mariano, co-chairperson of Makabayan, said the coalition will not endorse yet during the event its presidential bet for 2016. IDL