Opposition Senator Bam Aquino on Monday said that the Liberal Party needs to work doubly hard to come up with a senatorial slate that will allow the Senate to be more independent.
He revealed that the ruling party under the previous sdministration is talking with non-traditional political organizations including church groups, socio-civil organizations, and cause-oriented groups.
He also said that the LP is open to adopting reelectionist senators to include in its lineup.
“We’re open to it. And from what I see, it is important to have one group that can push for the independence in the Senate,” said Aquino.
“Ang mahalaga, at least para sa amin sa oposisyon, magkaroon ng mas maraming numero dito sa Senado at maging mas independent ’yung ating Senado,” he added.
Aside from Aquino, the other reelectionists in the Senate are Senators Grace Poe, Cynthia Villar and Nancy Binay, Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, Senators Sonny Angara, JV Ejercito and Migz Zubiri.
Aquino said he is happy to be included in the list of possible winners but he wants more opposition in the the Senate.
“Anyway, it is still one year. That only means we need to double efforts of the opposition so that I have more companions in the Magic 12,” he told reporters.
Aquino was the lone member of the opposition in the so-called “winners’ circle’ in the senatorial race if elections sere held during the Pulse Asis survey period.
Aquino believes voters would appreciate having more opposition candidates in the Senate. At present, only six senators are members of the minority bloc.
When election arrives, he believes the public will appreciate the need for the opposition.
“Hindi kailangan na iisang panig lang at kung meron mang pagtutol na kailangang gawin, kailangan sapat ang aming numero sa Senado,” he said.
The senator also said he does not know if former Senator Mar Roxas will be included in the LP slate. He said they have not yet talk about it.
He said the LP would most likely release its senatorial slate before October, the deadline for the filing of certificates of candidacy.