Magdalo considering Senate run for Alejano, says Trillanes

Senator Antonio Trillanes IV on Thursday said his group, Magdalo, is pushing their representative in the House of Representatives, Gary Alejano, to run for senator in the 2019 midterm elections.

"'Yung Magdalo Executive Committee ay in the process of deciding kung ano 'yung magiging participation namin dito sa upcoming elections, but initially itutulak namin si Cong. Alejano sa Senate, sa pagtakbo bilang senador itong 2019," said Trillanes, an outgoing senator, when asked if he would endorse a candidate to run for Senate.

Trillanes believes Alejano, who has represented the Magdalo party-list for two consecutive congresses, is "very much qualified" to become a senator.

"Siyempre naniniwala kami na he is very much qualified at may paninindigan at war hero 'yan. He's heart is in the right place," he said.

Like Trillanes, Alejano is a former military officer. Both participated in uprisings during the Arroyo administration.

"Definitely may tsansa [siya]. Kapag namulat 'yung taumbayan dito sa kalokohan ni [President Rodrigo] Duterte, maghahanap sila ng alternatibo, ire-reject nila 'yung mga kapartido niya," Trillanes said of Alejano.

One of the most vocal critics of the Duterte administration, Trillanes also said Magdalo is in talks with other parties for a possible coalition in 2019.

"We are talking with other political parties para mag-form ng isang coalition of like-minded individuals, those na sukang-suka na dito sa administrasyong ito at kayang tumindig laban sa mga pang-aabuso," he said.

Alejano, for his part, confirmed that the Magdalo Executive Committee is in the process of deciding on their participation in the 2019 elections, but did not state that it was him who is being considered.

"There is an ongoing consultation on a national level among Magdalo chapters and other allied groups and organizations," he said in a message to reporters. "We are awaiting the results of this exercise."

Nevertheless, Alejano thanked Trillanes for believing in his capabilities.

"On my part, I believe that the cause we started in 2003 for the country is a lifetime commitment, and I strive to always act in line with the principles Magdalo has stood for," he said.

"Henceforth, whatever decision the group will have, I will adhere to the wisdom of the body," Alejano added. —KBK, GMA News