Robredo leads opposition coalition senatorial bets

“Oposisyon Koalisyon” (Photo: The Star)

Vice President Leni Robredo led the launch of the opposition’s senatorial slate for 2019 national elections Oct. 24. “The opposition is very much alive,” she said.

“Oposisyon Koalisyon” is fielding eight senatorial aspirants for the midterm elections next year. They are re-electionist former Sen. Mar Roxas, Sen. Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino, Gary Alejano (Magdalo party-list), former congressman Erin Tañada, veteran lawyer Romulo Macalintal, Maranao leader Samira Gutoc-Tomawis, and former solicitor general Florin Hilbay.

Florin Hilbay, and human rights lawyer Chel Diokno

Former President Benigno Aquino III also graced the event, along with Sens. Risa Hontiveros, Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, and Antonio Trillanes IV, and Reps. Edcel Lagman (Albay), Miro Quimbo (Marikina) and Kit Belmonte (Quezon City)

Not in attendance in the launch was former sen. Roxas who had an earlier scheduled trip. Robredo said that many have commented that it is hard to be part of the opposition as those who have guts to criticize were being “ charged, jailed, belittled or trampled on”

“But this morning, we show that despite hardships, many still stand and fight,” the vice president added in Filipino.

Robredo also said that the opposition slate’s way is really and full of difficulties, especially since they are fighting for a Congress seat against more prominent candidates.

“If it was possible in 2016, there is no reason that we cannot bring the eight to victory, so long as we are united,” the vice president added.