MANILA, Philippines - Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares on Monday vowed to continue his fight against the pork barrel system as he filed his certificate of candidacy for senator in the 2016 national elections.
With the tagline "Fighter ng Bayan sa Senado," the Makabayan Party's senatorial bet also vowed to propose an independent foreign policy asserting the sovereignty of the Philippines against the United States and China.
"Tatakbo ako sa pagka-senador para ipagpatuloy ang laban para itaas ang presyo ng sweldo. Tatakbo po ako sa pagka-senador para pababain ang singil sa kuryente at tubig. Tatakbo po ako sa pagka-senador para ang serbisyo publiko ay palawakin at palakasin at hindi gawing negosyo," Colmenares said during a press conference.
Hundreds of supporters marched with Colmenares from the National Press Club to the Commission on Elections in Intramuros, Manila to file his candidacy.
Actress Angel Locsin, former Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo and political activist Mae Paner, or Juana Change, accompanied Colmenares at the Commission on Elections to support his candidacy.
Presidential aspirant Sen. Grace Poe and running mate Sen. Francis "Chiz" Escudero have enlisted Colmenares as a member of their senatorial lineup in 2016.