Trillanes, Magdalo back 1Sambayan coalition vs. Duterte

Former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV on Thursday expressed the Magdalo group's support for the newly formed coalition 1Sambayan, which aims to create a unified opposition ticket in the coming elections.

Trillanes, a staunch critic of President Rodrigo Duterte and his policies, said ensuring the defeat of the present administration in the 2022 elections is not just about politics but also for the Philippines' survival.

"The Magdalo group is supporting the 1Sambayan coalition. Ensuring the defeat of this murderous, corrupt and incompetent regime in 2022 is not just a matter of politics. It's a matter of survival for our country," Trillanes said in a tweet.

"Helping in the pandemic and preparing for our country's future are not mutually exclusive advocacies. These days, one should be able to multitask with ease," he added.

Led by retired Supreme Court justice Antonio Carpio, the 1Sambayan is looking to create a single slate of national candidates — president, vice president, 12 senators — who will run against Duterte’s preferred successor and his other bets.

Trillanes is among those discussed by the group who could possibly run as president or vice president.

Other names include Vice President Leni Robredo, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno and Senators Nancy Binay and Grace Poe.Carpio said they are open for suggestions and nominations from everyone on who will be included in their slate.

Aside from Carpio, 1Sambayan’s convenors and supporters include former Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales, former Education secretary Armin Luistro, former Foreign Affairs secretary Albert del Rosario, former Commission on Audit commissioner Heidi Mendoza, National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers chairman Neri Colmenares, Magdalo party-list, and some labor groups, among others.

Recently, some members of the ruling PDP-Laban party called on Duterte to run for vice president so that his policies in the government will continue. A resolution on this had already circulated.

However, the party's acting national president, Senator Manny Pacquiao, said now is not the time to talk about politics because of the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic to citizens. He said helping those in need must be prioritized.

Pacquiao also said the circulating resolution was not authorized by the PDP-Laban leadership. He said they have no lineup yet for the coming national elections.