Reelectionist senators band together for campaign

REELECTIONIST SENATORS belonging to different political affiliations have banded together and held a proclamation rally in Tondo, Manila City on the second day of the campaign period for the 2019 midterm elections on May 13.

The gathering was organized by independent candidate Senator Grace S. Poe-Llamanzares, who did not secure an endorsement from the administration.

Her fellow reelectionist senators — Nancy S. Binay-Angeles, Aquilino L. Pimentel III, Cynthia A. Villar, Juan Edgardo M. Angara, and Joseph Victor G. Ejercito — attended the event.

Senator Paolo Benigno A. Aquino IV, who was in Camarines Sur for the opposition slate’s proclamation rally, was not present.

In a statement, Ms. Binay-Angeles said the gathering showed a “testament of unity in diversity in the Senate.”

“One thing notable with our group is that we the reelectionists have established good rapport and have helped each other during debates and in times of differences of opinion. From an institutional perspective, we find an acceptable balance between unity and diversity, instead of dwelling on irreconcilable principles,” she said.

“I’m asking for your support. We have worked very well in the Senate. Opposition or administration, my colleagues will pass many laws that will benefit you,” Ms. Poe-Llamanzares said in Filipino during the televised rally.

Senate President Vicente C. Sotto III, along with Senators Sherwin T. Gatchalian and Francis G. Escudero, were also present during the rally to campaign for their fellow lawmakers.

“I am standing here today because it’s elections time. We need to maintain the independence of the Senate and to find ways on how the legislature can help the country,“Mr. Sotto said at the rally.

“We have a high approval rating, the high trust rating in the Senate because of my colleagues,” he added.

The reelectionist senators cited the laws they have passed during their six-year term.

Ms. Poe-Llamanares noted the school-based National Feeding Law, Mr. Angara mentioned the discounts granted to students and senior citizens, while Mr. Ejercito cited the universal health program.

Ms. Villar said she has created livelihood projects which provided jobs to many Filipinos. Ms. Binay-Angeles, meanwhile, recalled that her father, former Vice President Jejomar C. Binay, Sr., announced his vice presidential bid in Tondo, Manila City.

Mr. Pimentel said he helped pass the laws extending the validity of passports and driver’s license as well as the free tuition law during his stint as Senate President. —

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