Group to field 4 incumbent House solons in 2010 Senate race

MANILA, Philippines - A newly-formed coalition of militant groups claiming three million supporters nationwide announced on Thursday that four incumbent congressmen may run for senator in 2010. During the launch of the Makabayang Koalisyon ng Mamamayan (Makabayan), militant leader Maita Gomez said the group is considering to field party-list Representatives Satur Ocampo, Teodoro Casiño, Liza Maza and Rafael Mariano in the senatorial race. "This is the proposal that has to be formally adopted by Makabayan," Ocampo said. Makabayan is composed of Bayan Muna, Gabriela, Anakpawis, Kabataang Pinoy, ACT teachers party and Courage party. The group will have also have candidates for district representatives, Gomez said. Ocampo said they may also endorse a presidential candidate if they find someone with a clean record that they have the same principles with. "Right now, we still have to make a definite choice," he said. Several political personalities reported to be eyeing various elective posts were present at the event to express their solidarity, including Senator Manuel Roxas II. Roxas is widely perceived as eyeing the presidency in the May 2010 polls. Also present were Senators Ana Consuelo "Jamby" Madrigal and Francis Pangilinan, former House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. and wife, Gina; and Quezon City mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. Former President Joseph Estrada had earlier named Casiño as one of the possible senatorial candidates of the opposition. - Johanna Camille Sisante, GMANews.TV