Opposition still completing senatorial slate; Robredo in talks with Colmenares, Lacson, and Matula

Former Ifugao representative and senatorial aspirant Teddy Baguilat Jr. on Wednesday, October 13, confirmed reports that the opposition is in talks with three possible names for its senatorial lineup but added that it is still in the process of completing its slate which was originally due this week.

He said Vice President Leni Robredo’s camp is meeting with former Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares and Federation of Free Workers president Sonny Matula for the possibility of them joining the opposition.

Robredo is also in talks with lawyer and author Alexander Lacson, who filed his Certificate of Candidacy (COC) under the Kapatiran Party for senator.

Baguilat, who himself is running under Robredo’s slate, revealed that the opposition may not complete its lineup yet this week despite the vice president’s earlier plan to reveal the names already.

“Not privy to the details but VPL (Vice President Leni) gave instructions after she filed (candidacy) to talk with them. Still a long way to go for all tickets to fill its lineup. Aside from building relationships of trust and mutual benefit, kailangan din kasi ng (we also need the) basis of unity na (to be) issue-based and shared values,” he told Manila Bulletin.

The Liberal Party (LP) vice president for internal affairs shared that Robredo herself, together with former Senator Bam Aquino, her campaign manager, and Quezon City 6th District Rep. Kit Belmonte are meeting with the possible senatorial candidates.

READ: Leni-Kiko full Senate slate out next week

Matula already backed Robredo’s presidential run but Colmenares and Lacson have not. Colmenares’ Makabayan coalition said they are willing to work with the vice president but stopped short of endorsing her because they remain hopeful for unity among the non-administration candidates.

Lacson is no stranger to the LP, having been part of the late former Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III’s senatorial slate in 2010. He, however, failed to clinch a seat.

For now, Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros, Senator Leila de Lima, former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, human rights lawyer Chel Diokno, and Baguilat are the initial Senate bets in Robredo’s slate.

Meanwhile, lawyer Barry Gutierrez, Robredo’s spokesman, said that the opposition isn’t closing its doors for the possibility of unification, but they are now more focused on the campaign.

“Tingnan natin kung anong mangyayari. Sabi naman ni VP Leni, ‘laging bukas ang aking pinto.’ Pero for now ang focus talaga, iyong campaign (Let’s see what will happen. VP Leni said, ‘my door is always open.’ But for now, the focus really is the campaign),” he stressed on One PH.

READ: Robredo says her Senate slate 'won't be all-LP'

Robredo’s camp is currently organizing the “overwhelming support” they’ve been receiving from the vice president’s volunteers and supporters since she announced her candidacy last Oct. 7.

“I am sure iyong mga ibang kampanya, iyon din ang ginagawa. Pero mahaba pa naman ang panahon, mayroon pa tayong hanggang November 15 (the other campaigns are doing the same. But there is still time, we still have until November 15),” Gutierrez said.

Candidates can file substitutions until November 15. President Duterte himself used this provision in the 2016 election by substituting the presidential candidacy of now Interior Undersecretary Martin Dino.