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Neri Colmenares files CoC: 'The nation needs a fighter in the Senate'

The 3-term party-list congressman wants to bring to the Senate his fight for an increase in pension and salaries, and to lower the prices of electricity and water

Rappler.com

Published 11:28 AM, October 12, 2015

Updated 9:08 PM, May 08, 2016

Neri Colmenares files for his senatorial candidacy at COMELEC office in Manila on Monday, October 12, 2015. Photo by Jansen Romero/Rappler

MANILA, Philippines – Bayan Muna Representative Neri Colmenares filed his certificate of candidacy for senator on Monday, October 12, at the Comelec office in Intramuros, Manila.

The 3-term congressman is running under the tandem of senators Grace Poe and Francis Escudero.

"Bakit ako tatakbo? Tatakbo ako sa pagkasenador dahil kailangan ng fighter ng bayan sa Senado," Colmenares said during a short speech after his filing. (Why will I run? I will run for senator because the nation needs a fighter in the Senate.)

He also listed other reasons why he's running:

To continue the fight for an increase in pension and salaries
To lower the prices of electricity and water
To strengthen public service and prevent it from becoming a business
To let Filipinos benefit from the country's resources

Colmenares was accompanied by his supporters, all wearing red and white shirts. They included his niece, popular actress Angel Locsin, former Bayan Muna representatives Satur Ocampo and Teddy Casiño, and activist-comedian Juana Change.

Satur Ocampo, Juana Change, Teddy Casiño join march of supporters of Colmenares' Senate bid @rapplerdotcom #PHvote pic.twitter.com/NGV3JTLPG6
— Michael Bueza (@mikebueza) October 12, 2015

'FIGHTER IN SENATE.' Senatorial candidate Neri Colmenares, with actress Angel Locsin and former Bayan Muna Representative Satur Ocampo. Photo by Jansen Romero/Rappler

Colmenares is among the first senatorial hopefuls to file on Monday. During his declaration on September 30, Colmenares said he would be running under the principle of "pulitika ng pagbabago" or politics of change.

The period of filing of certificates of candidacy will run from Monday to Friday, October 12 to 16. (READ: Guidelines for filing certificates of candidacy) – with a report from Michael Bueza/Rappler.com

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