The Liberal Party (LP) has named the first five people that may comprise its senatorial slate for the 2022 elections as it expressed support for a "unified opposition" in next year's national polls.
In a statement, Former Ifugao Representative and Party Vice President for Internal Affairs Teodoro Baguilat affirmed the grassroots Liberals' proposed initial lineup of possible senatoriables that the LP will be openly supporting:
- Senator Francis Pangilinan, Party president
- Senator Leila de Lima
- Senator Risa Hontiveros
Pangilinan and De Lima from LP, and Hontiveros from Akbayan are all up for reelection.
In addition, Baguilat said cited two other candidates who have expressed "desire or openness to be part of our Senate slate":
- Former Senator Paolo Benigno 'Bam' Aquino IV
- Lawyer Jose Manuel 'Chel' Diokno
In a virtual general assembly on August 20, Baguilat stressed it was important to talk about the candidates whom the party will be supporting, saying the Senate is the Executive Department's "partner."
Meanwhile, LP Manila-Matatag chapter head Junie Sanchez said the Liberal Party has expressed support for Vice President Leni Robredo's call for a unified opposition in the 2022 elections.
"Mahalaga na maipahiwatig natin itong suporta sa kanya, at sa kanyang efforts na magpanday ng malawak na pagkakaisa (It's important that we show support for her and her efforts to forge broad unity)," she said.
"Kung kaya iminumungkahi ko, iminomotion ko, na magsalang ng resolution ang assembly na ito (That's why I move the assembly to issue a resolution) expressing unanimous support for and uniting behind VP Leni’s efforts," she added.
According to Sanchez, LP has started preparing its different chapters for the 2022 polls and has started to talk to different organizations, sectors, and individuals to augment the Party's power for the elections.
"Lahat po ng ito ay nakasalalay sa isang matibay na pagkakaisa (All of these depend on our strong unity)," she said.