MANILA, Philippines – Vice President Leni Robredo said the opposition coalition has moved to October 24 the announcement of its final senatorial slate.

The Vice President, who chairs the Liberal Party (LP) and is considered the leader of the opposition, told this to reporters on Wednesday, October 10.

The opposition coalition had initially targeted to announce its slate for the 2019 elections on Tuesday, October 9, but LP president and Senator Francis Pangilinan said they “needed more time.” 

“Sabi namin, tutal ang filing naman is until the 17th, so magkakaroon ng formal na pagpapakilala sa October 24,” said Robredo in Bacolod City. (We said that, since the filing will be until the 17th, we can hold our formal announcement on October 24.)

She said the opposition’s advisory council is still ironing out details, including whether or not to field a complete slate of 12 candidates. 

“Kasi, halimbawa, ako, ina-advocate ko na sana mga 8 lang…. Ayaw din natin na para makumpleto iyong 12, alam mo iyon? Gusto natin iyong io-offer natin sa tao, iyong quality talaga. Mukhang maa-achieve naman,” said Robredo.

(For example, I am advocating that we field only around 8…. We don’t want to pick anyone just so we can complete the 12, you know what I mean? We want to offer the people quality candidates. I think we will be able to achieve that.)

Robredo previously said she is looking for “patriots” in the opposition coalition’s senatorial lineup.

The LP has so far named its first 3 senatorial bets: reelectionist Senator Paolo Benigno Aquino IV, human rights lawyer Chel Diokno, and former Quezon representative Erin Tañada. All 3 are scions of opposition leaders during the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos. 

The filing of certificates of candidacy for the 2019 polls will be held October 11-12 and 15-17. – Rappler.com