By Leslie Ann Aquino Magdalo partylist Rep. Gary Alejano is running for the Senate in the May 2019 midterm polls under the Liberal Party. According to the lawmaker, he was seeking a senatorial seat as there was a need to have independent-minded members in the Senate. Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV also here at Intramuros to support Magdalo partylist Cong. Gary Alejano who is running for senator. Alejano has filed his CoC (MANILA BULLETIN) “We need independent-minded members of the Senate (and) improve check and balance. We cannot remain silent and just follow policies that are detrimental in the interest and welfare of the people,” Alejano told the media after filing his COC at the Comelec main office in Intramuros, Manila. “We need to stand up for those who are voiceless and fight for their rights,” he added. As a former soldier, Alejano said he carried in his heart the desire to serve the public. “I want to advocate the security of every Filipino, family, and also securitypf our sovereignty integrity of our territory against the intrusion of foreign countries in our territory,” he said. “We cannot stay silent and disregard this because this is a new colonization of our country,” added Alejano. As to their performance in the survey, he said they were already used to this. “We are used to being in the bottom...we need to exert effort to introduce self to the people,” said Alejano. “I'm confident that with their help and together with those supporting us before, even OFWs, we are confident that we will win in the elections,” he added. Meanwhile, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV threw his support behind his fellow Magdalo member Alejano. “We believe that he has the courage and strength to serve as senator,” he said. Asked if he was running to replace Alejano as Magdalo represenative, Trillanes said: “No. That was the decision of the group that we will have nominees also from Magdalo...as for me, I will continue with my advocacy and fight for what is true and just,” he said.