The camp of Vice President Leni Robredo is still finalizing its decision on who will fill the 12th spot in the opposition’s senatorial slate for the 2022 polls, her spokesman said, as he told supporters and groups to wait for their announcement.
Speaking on Robredo’s weekly radio show, spokesman Barry Gutierrez asked for more patience over their final senatorial line-up given the selection process.
“Naiintindihan namin na malakas ang damdamin nung ilang mga supporters natin at iba-iba pang mga grupo na dapat makapasok sa slate ni VP Leni (We understand the high emotions of some our supporters and other groups about the last candidate joining the slate of VP Leni),” he said on Sunday, Oct. 17.
“Kaunting pasensya lang. Umaandar iyong proseso. Madaming kinakausap at sa tamang panahon, sa takdang panahon magkakaroon ng desisyon at pahayag tungkol sa isyung ito (Have a little patience. The process is moving. We are talking to many people and at the right time we will have a decision and announcement about this issue),” Gutierrez added.
His statement came after Robredo did not include the name of former Bayan Muna representative Neri Colmenares in her senatorial slate for the upcoming elections.
READ: Robredo needs Colmenares in opposition’s senatorial slate for 2022 polls – groups
Supporters of Robredo and the progressive groups criticized the exclusion of Colmenares from the opposition ticket when she announced her senatorial slate on Friday, Oct. 15.
In a statement, Colmenares said his non-inclusion was what the vice president “thinks is best for the interest of her candidacy.”
Gutierrez echoed Robredo’s earlier statement that there are four or five candidates who are being considered to complete their 12-man slate.
READ: Who is Robredo’s 12th Senate bet?
The presidential aspirant already said she was in talks with Colmenares and Federation of Free Workers president Sonny Matula for the final vacant slot. However, there is still no word if either of the two will complete her line-up.
“Mayroong pa namang ia-announce na isa pang magiging kandidato. Sa puntong ito, ang hirap nang pinapangunahan, di ba? Parang kasi kung magsalita ang iba ay tapos na...Hintayin natin (There's still one name that will be announced. At this point, it’s hard getting ahead of her, right? Some people are claiming that it is already the final decision. Let us wait),” Gutierrez said.