In the up-coming election it is 12 seats up for grabs and the 12 who gets the most votes in the Republic becomes a senator. That will be a hard race, as it is over 120 candidates. Therefore, I will not look into all of them. In this list, I will look into the ones who I hope for.
The first one I hope gets to return to the Senate is Antonio Fuentes Trillanes IV of the Liberal Party. He has been a voice of reason. What is striking is that he has dared to challenge Duterte and the ones in power. Even when everything around was burning. When the state was starting to look into his past and the mutiny he was participating in.Trillanes can again regain his seat in the Senate and possibly challenge the tasks ahead. His not afraid or lacking the character to be there. That’s why I hope he returns there .
The second one I hope gets in is Elmer Labog “Bong”, the Chairperson of the Kilusang Mayo Uno (May First Movement). Who runs on the first ticket for Makabayang Koalisyon ng Mamamayan (Makabayan). We know he has fought the fight for the rights of workers and hope he will continue to do that in the Senate. Just like he stated last year about the 13th Month Pay: ““This is our triumph for being one in letting our voices be heard. Despite the attempt to ignore our rights, we fought for our 13th-month pay. Mabuhay ang mga manggagawa! (Long live the workers!)” Elmer Labog, chairperson of Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) said in a statement” (Ferdinand Patinio – ‘DOLE move to enforce 13th-month pay law, a ‘victory’ for workers’ 15.10.2020, Philippine News Agency). So, I hope he does the same and never forget this fight.
The third one I hope gets a senate seat is Jejomar Binay “Jojo”, the former Vice-President. Yes, his ageing, but his experience and knowledge of law would be refreshing. He served for 21 years as the Makati Mayor. This campaign his part of alliance with “Tito” Sotto and “Ping” Lacson. It would be interesting to see his return. Clearly, the whole ticket is filled with experience from President, VP to the Senate.
The fourth one I hope gets a senate is Nelson Ancajas “Dodong”, a street-vendor who has lost a child early, because he couldn’t afford health-care and is afraid to lose second child. On the stage when he was a certified candidate. He said: “As a parent, I will do everything for my child. I am an ordinary Filipino who wants my child to live. I can’t expect anything from this government. I am hardworking, diligent, and finished school. But it’s still difficult to rise from poverty” (October 2021). A man that seen this and felt the pain of losing his own. He will be strong and able to fight for other in the situation. Better than anyone who only reads about those things in a statistic or a book. He knows the plights of the streets and the hardships of life. That’s why I hope a guy like him gets a chance. Though he doesn’t have a name or recognition. Therefore, most likely he will not succeed.
The fifth on I hope gets into the senate is Greco Antonious Beda Banta Belgica or Greco Belgica. His senatorial ticket is for Pederalismo ng Dugong Dakilang Samahan (PDDS). Since 2018 he was appointed as Commissioner of the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) under the Office of the President of the Philippines. Some has called him a loose cannon and such. However, he has been effective and campaigns has worked. It is not perfect, but neither is the system has been operating in. This is a man with time and ability ahead of him. That’s why I hope for candidates like him.
These was my first 5 picks of the over 120 candidates to pick from. There is a lot of legacy tickets, dynasties sending their senators, which are more likely to get in. As it is a costly enterprise to run for the Senate. Still, some of the other has to have a shot. Time will tell, if any of these will get there. The only one that has a real shot here is Trillanes. Peace.
MinBane 