Poe-Chiz tandem to include Colmenares in senatorial ticket

MANILA, Philippines – Presidential aspirant Sen. Grace Poe and running mate Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero enlisted Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares as the first member of their senatorial lineup.

Poe and Escudero on Wednesday endorsed Colmenares’s senatorial bid before the crowd in the National Convention of the Makabayan bloc at the San Andres Sports Complex, Malate, Manila.

”It is my honor to endorse Congressman Neri Colmenares,” Poe said.

Escudero meanwhile said that he and Poe are one with the Makabayan bloc in supporting the senatorial bid of Colmenares.

”I am with you in helping and making sure that Neri will reach his goal,” Escudero said.

Poe said her camp already spoke with other possible senatorial bets but Makabayan bloc is among the first they endorsed since they have similar principles.

“May mga nakakausap naman kami. May mga nagpapahayag na nakasama namin kaya lang itong nauna nga iyong ating Makabayan bloc,” Poe said.

“Hindi naman sila kaiba na sa amin sapagkat marami rin kaming pinagdaanan na kasama nila. Iyon nga iyong nababanggit ko, pati yung Freedom of Information, sila iyong ating mga kaalyado diyan pati iyong mga pagkain para sa bata, iyong mga benepisyo para sa mahihirap sila naman po iyong ating kaagapay diyan,” she added.

The Makabayan bloc is composed of Bayan Muna, Gabriela, Anakpawis, Kabataan, Courage, Migrante, ACT-Teachers, Katribu, Akap Bata, Piston, Kalikasan and Aking Bikolnon.

Last September 16, Poe officially announced she is joining the presidential derby while Escudero was declared as her running mate a day after.

Eight party-list organizations already endorsed the "Poe-Chiz" tandem including An Waray, Abang Lingkod, Abe, Ang Nars, BH (Bagong Henerasyon), Anak IP, Abono and Ako Bicol.

The Magdalo group also expressed their support in the Poe-Chiz tandem.