Colmenares on his non-inclusion in Leni’s senatorial slate: It's based on what she thinks is best for her candidacy

Bayan Muna chairperson and senatorial aspirant Neri Colmenares on Friday expressed belief that his non-inclusion in the senatorial slate of Vice President Leni Robredo is based on what the latter thinks is best for her presidential candidacy.

"Vice President Leni Robredo’s decision on who to include in her senatorial slate is her prerogative as the presidential candidate. My non-inclusion in her slate at this time is based on what she thinks is best for the interest of her candidacy," Colmenares said in a statement.

Earlier, Robredo and her running-mate Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan bared their 11-strong senatorial slate for the May 2022 national elections. These include the following:

• Senator Richard Gordon
• Senator Joel Villanueva
• Senator Miguel Zubiri
• Senator Risa Hontiveros
• Senator Leila de Lima
• former Vice President Jejomar Binay
• Former Representative Teddy Baguilat
• Sorsogon Governor Chiz Escudero
• Former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV
• human rights lawyer Chel Diokno
• Alex Lacson of Kapatiran

Earlier, it was reported that Colmenares, who is running for senator in the coming elections, was having talks with Robredo's camp for his inclusion in the latter's senatorial slate.

With the latest development, Colmenares said independent candidates like him, as well as those from the Makabayan, have always relied on the support of various groups and individuals for their candidacies.

"I would like to assure the people that Makabayan will not be distracted from its quest to write finis to the tyrannical reign of Pres. Duterte," Colmenares said.

"We will employ our 3.5 million voter base, our national campaign machinery, our social media warriors, and poll  watchers nationwide to push for the people's agenda in the Senate and oppose the efforts of Duterte and Marcos to return to Malacañang," he added.

Discussions ongoing

But Robredo said that discussions on the possible inclusion of Colmenares and  labor leader Sonny Matula to fill the last slot for her ticket's 12-strong Senate slate are still ongoing and would take a little while.

"Yes [they are still in consideration]. I just don't want to preempt the ongoing process," Robredo said when asked if it is possible whether Colmenares or Matula will be included in their Senate slate.

"The process is still ongoing, and part of the process is listening to various groups and their respective concerns. Of course, there should be an opportunity to address these concerns. Kailangan namin pakinggan iyong concerns na inihahain (We need to hear the concerns being out forward)," Robredo pointed out.

"Whoever will be chosen to the 12th in the slate will best represent the marginalized sector. We have been talking to urban poor, women, labor groups, and we have been listening to them. Ayaw namin i-rush kasi iyong pagpipilian naman ay nakapag file na ng certificate of candidacy (COC) (We do not want to rush it given that the choices have already filed their COC," Robredo added.

Robredo said that the choices for the final slot are down to at least four nominees.

'Strong voice in the legislature'

Colmenares, a human rights lawyer, emphasized that his resolve to run for a Senate seat is based on "the need to give the poor and marginalized a strong voice in the legislature."

Colmenares also thanked retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio and the entire opposition coalition 1Sambayan for including him in its senatorial slate.

In a separate statement read during a virtual presser, the House Makabayan bloc said it respects the decision of Robredo regarding the composition of her senatorial slate.

"We remain focused on the goal of upholding the rights and welfare of the people, especially the poor and marginalized, and preventing a Duterte or Marcos victory in the coming elections," the group said. — with Llanesca T. Panti/RSJ, GMA News