Bam Aquino confident Pinoys want 'independent voices' in Senate

Senator Bam Aquino on Wednesday underscored the need for "independent and alternative" voices in the Senate amid the upcoming midterm elections.

Interviewed on Dobol B sa News TV's Ikaw Na Ba?, Aquino expressed confidence that voters also want lawmakers who are not always in favor of the administration.

"Naniniwala po kami na ang taong-bayan mayroon pong kagustuhan na mayroon pong mga independent candidates sa Senado. May pag-aaral na nagsasabi na ang Pilipino ang pagtingin po niya sa Senado ay last bastion of democracy," Aquino said.

"Hinding-hindi ho mangyayari 'yan kung lahat po ng papasok diyan ay pro-administration. Kailangan po ng mga alternatibong boses, independent voices, independent minds..." he added.

"Ang mga botante, pipili po 'yan ng mga taong pag nagkagipitan, papanindigan po ang taong-bayan hindi ang Malacañang ... Mahalaga ho magpasok tayo ng mga taong independent."

Aquino, meanwhile, hailed how various groups voiced their sentiments and views this election period, saying that these organizations function as a check and balance system in the government.

"'Yung maganda na nangyayari sa eleksyon na ito, 'yung nagsasama po na wala sa administrasyon... iba't-ibang mga grupo, iba't-ibang mga partido... tumatayo at tumitindig bilang mga kasangga po ng taong-bayan laban sa mga panukala na posibleng makasama po," he said.

"Ito pong mga grupo po na nagsisilbing taga-check and balances sa administrasyon, hindi po sila isang partido lang. Iba-iba na po 'yan ngayon," he added.

In October last year, Aquino admitted that senatorial aspirants running under the opposition slate need to double their efforts to make themselves known to Filipino voters.

When he filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) for re-election, Aquino even said the senatorial race would be tougher as he is not part of the administration.

Aquino ranked 10th to 16th in the latest senatorial survey conducted by the Pulse Asia. —Anna Felicia Bajo/KBK, GMA News