FORMER solicitor general Florin Hilbay and veteran election lawyer Romulo Macalintal filed Wednesday, October 17, their certificates of candidacy (COC) for senator to complete the opposition slate.

Liberal Party (LP) president Senator Francis Pangilinan earlier announced the inclusion of Hilbay and Macalintal in the eight-man slate of the opposition.

Hilbay and Macalintal joined LP stalwarts Manuel Roxas II, Paolo Benigno Aquino IV, Gary Alejano, Chel Diokno, Samira Gutoc Tomawis, and Erin Tañada who earlier filed their COCs.

Hilbay, who will be running under the Aksyon Demokratiko party, said he believes that the 2019 elections will provide opportunities for the people to elect new faces in the Senate.

“There are 12 seats in the Senate. I believe that even if known families and politicians get the seats, the people will still make room for a new voice,” said Hilbay.

If elected, he said he will be focusing on keeping an eye on the attitude and workings of the administration.

“No matter who is in position, if what they are doing is wrong, we need to stand up to it. We need to fight it. Our principle is simple, fight for what is right,” said Hilbay.

For his part, Macalintal admitted that he was unwittingly influenced by his clients in seeking an elective post.

“I have long desired to enter politics. I really wanted to run for the Senate. But back then, it wasn’t time yet,” said Macalintal, who is running as an independent.

He said he wants to push for his advocacies in advancing the rights of senior citizens.

Among them, he said, is increasing the discount rate for medicines of the elderly as well as free cinema seats for senior citizens.

“I’m having as my advocacy the rights and interests of seniors,” said Macalintal. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)