Senate bets Javellana, Nalliw, Tañada, Alunan and Alejano discuss platforms in 'Kandidato'

Informed votes on chosen senatorial bets become a pressing issue as the May 2019 midterm elections draw near.

As a way to get to know the candidates more, GMA News TV's Investigative Documentaries: Kandidato series invited senatorial candidates RJ Javellana, Atty. Joan Nalliw, Atty. Erin Tañada, Raffy Alunan and Gary Alejano to share their platforms and advocacies to inform the public more.

RJ Javellana calls for lower prices of goods and transportation

Born and raised in Manila, Javellana studied political science at the Lyceum of the Philippines University where he started to become more aware of national issues affecting Filipinos.

In 2003, he founded Luntiang Pangarap in order to find a solution to traffic congestion and air pollution. He was also the president of the consumer group United Filipino Consumers and Commuters that has over 40,000 members.

As the president of the organization, he called for the sacking of the current economic managers of the country, saying, "Iba po ang direction ng economic managers ngayon dahil present na committees iba ang priorities. Dapat mag-resign ang mga economic managers na 'yan."

Even at a young age of 19, Javellana was already involved in public service as a barangay kagawad of San Andres Bukid in Manila.

Now running for a Senate seat, Javellana said he will represent the ordinary people as he advocates for the lowering of prices and the renationalization of key industries.

Joan Nalliw wants indigenous people's rights prioritized

Born in Cordillera to the Katutubong Ifugao-Ayangan, Atty. Joan Nalliw became a lawyer for the tribe.

She studied criminology in Baguio City and soon became a prison guard where she saw firsthand the need to address prison congestion and attend to the rehabilitation of convicted felons.

As a lawyer, she gives free services to her fellow indigenous people. As a farmer, she continues to harvest and plant on her ancestral land.

She also became the Indigenous Peoples' Mandatory Representative in the Sangguniang Bayan of the Municipality of Mayoyao.

Now running for the Senate, Nalliw hopes to bring the interests of the indigenous tribes at the forefront of the policies of the nation and to never forget their culture even amid development.

"We can have development without sacrificing mga ancestral lands. Kailangan i-consult members of the community," she said.

Erin Tañada urges better livelihood for farmers

Atty. Erin Tañada comes from a political clan based in the province of Quezon. Both his grandfather and father became senators before him, opening his worldview of public service at a young age.

He represented the province of Quezon for three terms in Congress. While in office, Tañada was able to pass laws like those on universal healthcare, cheaper medicine, anti-torture and the reparation and recognition of human rights victims.

Since his roots are from Quezon province, he hopes to prioritize farmers' rights especially of those in the coconut industry.

He said that with the position, he hopes to use the coco levy fund to help coconut farmers in the country.

Raffy Alunan pushes for development of tourism, agriculture sectors

Before running for senator, Raffy Alunan served as Tourism secretary under the Cory Aquino administration and as Interior and Local Government secretary under the Ramos administration.

During his term under Ramos, he created Oplan Pagbabago which directs people to observe the proper conduct for public officials and adhere to the code of ethics.

He is pushing for the prioritization of the agriculture and tourism sectors.

According to him, 25 million people are dependent on agriculture, and once this weakens, food and human security will be affected negatively.

"Tourism nagbibigay opportunities and force multipliers to bring opportunities for jobs and livelihood," Alunan said.

Gary Alejano aims for the strengthening of national security

Growing up in Negros Occidental, Gary Alejano was aware of the conflict surrounding him, further pushing him into becoming a soldier.

Having graduated from the Philippine Military Academy and having joined the Philippine Marine Corps, Alejano said he is used to risking his life for the security of others.

He participated in the Oakwood munity against the Arroyo administration in 2003 and the Manila Peninsula seige in 2007.

As part of Congress in 2013, he pushed for the increase in the allowance of soldiers and uniformed personnel, increase in burial assistance for veterans, and making the last week of August the Armed Forces of the Filipino Week.

Alejano fully believes in standing by your principles despite the costs.

"Kung meron nalulok o umaabuso sa gobyerno, tatayo si Gary Alejano. Kung inaagaw ang Inang Bayan lalo na ng China, si Gary Alejano ay tatayo. Kung ating kapatid ay pinapatay at hindi binibigyan ng boses, si Gary ay lalaban," he said.

—Kaela Malig/KG, GMA News