Senatorial aspirant dreams of united opposition; supporters can help in formation

Metro Manila, Philippines — Supporters of opposition and independent figures can help in pushing for a “unified opposition” for the 2025 elections, a senatorial aspirant said.

Labor leader Luke Espiritu told NewsWatch Plus that he dreams of a united opposition, and forming it needs talks between various opposition groups and other independent filers.

“Pero kung hindi ma-achieve ‘yung actual electoral coalition, pwede naman na ang parang united na slate ay buuhin sa ground,” Espiritu said in an interview on Wednesday, Oct. 10. “‘Yung mga supporter, mismo ang magtulak ng isang slate nila, a people’s slate.”

[Translation: But if an actual electoral coalition would not be achieved, the united slate could be formed on the ground. Supporters should push a peoples’ slate.]

He did not welcome the possibility of the Dutertes joining the opposition, adding that he does not want the elections to be a Marcos-Duterte battle ground.

Espiritu and 2022 presidential candidate Leody de Guzman filed candidacy papers under the Partido Lakas ng Masa.

The Liberal Party nominated former senator Kiko Pangilinan, while former senator Bam Aquino ran under the Katipunan ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino.

Progressive groups forming the Makabayan coalition also fielded 11 people, including former and sitting party-list representatives.

Out of 184 senatorial aspirants, the list of Commission on Elections showed at least 99 said they were independent.