Makabayan: Neri exclusion a blow to campaign vs. Marcos-Duterte alliance

The exclusion of Neri Colmenares in the slate of Vice President Leni Robredo was a "lost opportunity" to boost the campaign against a Marcos-Duterte alliance in Eleksyon 2022, the Makabayan Coalition said Monday.

Colmenares, whose senatorial aspiration is backed by the alliance of progressive party-list organizations, was left out of the Robredo-led opposition ticket.

Labor leader Sonny Matula was chosen as her lineup's 12th senatorial candidate. 

"Neri Colmenares’ non-inclusion in the senatorial slate of Vice President Leni Robredo was a lost opportunity in terms of strengthening the opposition against the looming Marcos Duterte alliance for 2022," Makabayan said in a statement.

Still, Makabayan vowed to continue cooperating with the Robredo-Pangilinan tandem as they have the common objective of preventing a Duterte extension or a Marcos restoration next year.

Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan is the running-mate of Robredo.

"Keenly aware of the most immediate threat today, Makabayan will continue to cooperate with the Robredo-Pangilinan campaign, with the common objective of preventing a Duterte extension or a Marcos restoration," Makabayan said in a statement.

"Even as Makabayan deliberates on its final choice of national candidates, we call on all democratic forces to exert all efforts to prevent the worst possible outcome for 2022," it added.

The group also expressed gratitude to Robredo for meeting with them last week to discuss the many points of unity in their platforms.

"While there are issues that require continuing discussions, we welcome VP Robredo’s positive response to the issues of sovereignty in the West PH Sea, peace talks, human rights, justice and accountability, as well as economic relief from the hardships due to the pandemic," it said.

"These points provide us with a basis to continue engaging with her in pursuit of pro-people and progressive reforms and policies," Makabayan added.

The Makabayan is a political coalition that includes progressive groups such as Bayan Muna, Kabataan, Alliance of Concerned Teachers, Gabriela, and Anakpawis. -NB, GMA News