Labor and rights leaders, reelectionists part of Pacquiao’s senatorial slate

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 15)— Presidential aspirant Senator Manny Pacquiao on Friday released a list of his senatorial bets — which includes reelectionists, progressive leaders, and personalities eyeing a political comeback.

Here are the 10 individuals eyed by Pacquiao for his 2022 ticket:

Broadcaster Raffy Tulfo

Senator Migz Zubiri

Sorsogon Governor Chiz Escudero

Former Vice President Jejomar Binay

Senator Joel Villanueva

House Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda

Senator Richard Gordon

Labor Leader Elmer Labog

Former Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares

Former Eastern Samar Governor Lutgardo Barbo

Some names in the roster — including reelectionist senators Zubiri, Villanueva, and Gordon, as well as Escudero, Binay, and Legarda — are also included in the lineups of other tandems.

Colmenares and Labog are among the new personalities in Pacquiao’s slate.

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Pacquiao said the names in his list were selected based on their qualifications.

“Gusto ko ang makasama ko ‘yung honest at tapat para sa bayan," Pacquiao told a media forum. "Gusto ko ang makinabang ang Pilipino, hindi ang iilan.”

[Translation: I wish that those who will run with me are honest to the nation. I want the Filipino people, not just a few, to benefit.]

The boxer-turned-lawmaker explained that he left two slots in his slate vacant on purpose — to accommodate aspirants aligned with his platform.

He added that he is in talks with five other individuals for possible inclusion in the list, but did not disclose their names.

Pacquiao formalized his 2022 presidential bid earlier this month, being the first presidential hopeful to file his certificate of candidacy.

He will be running alongside Buhay Party-list Rep. Lito Atienza.

CNN Philippines' Xianne Arcangel and Eimor Santos contributed to this report.