Various supporters cheer as they welcome senatorial candidates set to be endorsed by the Makabayan bloc in a gathering held in Quezon City | via @angelmovido #Halalan2019 pic.twitter.com/q2Pmnct4op — ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) March 3, 2019

MANILA (2nd UPDATE) - The Makabayan Coalition endorsed on Sunday the election bid of 9 senatorial candidates, including opposition and independent bets.

Among those endorsed by the Makabayan Coalition, which is a group of leftist parties and organizations, were opposition candidates Sen. Benigno "Bam" Aquino, Chel Diokno, Erin Tañada, Samira Gutoc and Florin Hilbay.

Reelectionist Senators Grace Poe and Nancy Binay, former Bayan Muna Party-list Rep. Neri Colmenares, and former Senator Serge Osmeña also secured the coalition's endorsement.

Makabayan endorses 9 senatorial candidates — Chel Diokno, Erin Tañada, Bam Aquino, Grace Poe, Neri Colmenares, Nancy Binay, Serge Osmeña, Samira Gutoc and Florin Hilbay | via @angelmovido #Halalan2019 pic.twitter.com/BGqqunetto — ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) March 3, 2019

Makabayan bloc President Satur Ocampo led the proclamation of the 9 candidates, whom he believes will push for an independent and pro-people Senate.

''Kailangan natin ng Senadong malaya at kayang manindigan ng sarili, mga kandidatong subok sa kakayahan at integridad, 'yung may tapang at magsusulong ng batas para sa kapakanan ng bayan at may kakayahang magtagumpay,'' he said.

(We need a Senate that is free and can stand up for itself, candidates whose capability and integrity are already tested, those who are brave and will champion laws for the welfare of the people, and can succeed.)

3 OPPOSITION BETS EXCLUDED?

Ocampo also denied that opposition bets Mar Roxas, Romulo Macalintal and Gary Alejano were left out of the endorsement process.

"We have initial talks with them pero hindi pa natapos yung process (the process was not completed)," he told reporters.

Aquino, Poe and Binay did not make it to the event. They were represented by wife Timi Aquino, son Brian Llamanzares, and lawyer Danton Lucinario, respectively.

Should the 9 candidates win a seat, Makabayan said it hopes to work with them on the suspension or repeal of the tax reform law, territorial rights over the West Philippine Sea, opposition to charter change, upholding of human rights and due process, and the resumption of peace talks.

Report from Angel Movido, ABS-CBN News