The possible senatorial candidates of the PDP-Laban for the 2019 election

MANILA, Philippines — Almost every week the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) would go to different provinces in the country.

A significant number of politicians are seen jumping to the ruling party as 2019 midterm election nears.

On Tuesday, the political party’s secretary-general and House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez introduced their 10 possible senatorial candidates. They are Senate President Koko Pimentel, Maguindanao Rep. Zajid Mangudadatu, Oriental Mindoro Rep. Rey Umali, Negros Occidental Rep. Alfredo Benitez, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, Special Assistant to the President Sec. Bong Go, Bataan Rep. Geraldine Roman, Davao City Rep. Karlo Nograles, former MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino, and Mocha Uson.

“Marami na akong nilabas na pangalan pero ito naman ay lahat proposal lang. Tignan natin kung sino yung mga magre-rate sa survey,” said the secretary-general.

(I presented many names but all of them are only proposals. Let us see if they will rate in surveys.)

Pantaleon was quick to say that this is not some sort of premature campaigning because the list is not yet final.

“Hindi pa nagpa-file ng certificates of candidacy. Once mag-file ka ng COC, yun papasok na yung premature campaigning,” said Alvarez.

(There is no filing of the certificates of candidacy yet. Once you file a COC, that’s when premature campaigning happens.)

Alvarez believes that the party’s increase in number will help with the swift passage of federalism that the Duterte administration is pushing for.

“Malaking-malaki. Sa plebisito kasi, yung barangay mismo, sila yung magpapaliwanag sa taumbayan kung ano ang kagandahan ng bagong Saligang Batas,” said Alvarez.

(It is a big help. In a plebiscite, the barangay itself will explain the benefits of a new Constitution.)— Grace Casin | UNTV News & Rescue

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