2022 PHILIPPINE ELECTION: MANILA- #WeWantNeri trends as Leni-Kiko tandem reveal 2022 senate slate

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After declaring their team-up last week for the President and Vice President seats in the May 2022 polls, Vice President Leni Robredo and her running mate, senator Kiko Pangilinan has announced their Senate slate, naming a coalition of familiar names across the spectrum. Absent from the lineup, however, was Bayan Muna chair and former Makabayan bloc representative Neri Colmenares.

Named under the Robredo-Pangilinan ticket are former representative Teddy Baguilat Jr., former Vice President Jejomar Binay, senator Leila de Lima, human rights lawyer Chel Diokno, Sorsogon governor Chiz Escudero, senator Dick Gordon, senator Risa Hontiveros, lawyer Alex Lacson, senator Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV, senator Joel Villanueva, and senator Miguel “Migz” Zubiri.

A human rights lawyer by profession, Colmenares is also one of the convenors of 1Sambayan, the broad opposition group that had first nominated Robredo as their chosen candidate.

#WeWantNeri immediately trended on social media after the incumbent VP announced their senatorial lineup.

Netizens questioned whether the list of names truly represented an inclusive opposition with the exclusion of a progressive candidate.

Robredo and Pangilinan named 11 senatorial candidates running under their ticket — leaving supporters wondering who will fill the 12th spot.

In a press conference, Robredo said that they hope the candidate for their 12th spot would represent marginalized sectors, which could likely see Colmenares and labor leader Sonny Matula of the Federation of Free Workers battling it out for the last slot.

On Twitter, Colmenares said that he welcomed Robredo’s senatorial slate, and thanked 1Sambayan for being included in their list of senate bets.

Colmenares also reiterated that the Makabayan bloc has always relied on the people for their support of progressive and pro-people candidates, employing their 3.5 million voter base and national campaign machinery.

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This article, #WeWantNeri trends as Leni-Kiko tandem reveal 2022 senate slate, originally appeared on Coconuts, Asia’s leading alternative media company.