Alejano accepts Magdalo’s nomination for Senate run in 2019 polls

Magdalo party-list Representative Gary Alejano on Tuesday said he has accepted the nomination of the Magdalo party for him to run for senator in the May 2019 midterm elections.

"Yes, I have accepted the nomination," Alejano told GMA News Online in a text message.

Alejano said the country's need for independent-minded senators who are willing to forward the interests of the people prompted him to accept the nomination.

"I believe that the country needs more independent minded members of the Senate to speak for the people, stand up for our democracy, and defend our sovereignty and territorial integrity especially now that most seems to be silent and indifferent to the abuses of the Duterte administration and its apparent subservience to China," he said.

Alejano has been very vocal against Chinese interference in Philippine territories in the West Philippines, and has even called for Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano's resignation to his alleged inaction on the issue.

Senator Antonio Trillanes IV had earlier said his group, Magdalo, is pushing Alejano to run for a senatorial post, saying he is "very much qualified" for the position.

Both Trillanes and Alejano are former military officers who were involved in attempts to overthrow the Arroyo administration.

Alejano, meanwhile, thanked the Magdalo party for their trust and confidence in him to run for senator.

"I submit to the direction and wisdom of the group as we always decide collectively on important issues affecting our country  including the decision to field me for the senate in the next year's elections," he said. —KBK, GMA News