KIKO: COMMON TICKET FOR REELECTIONIST SENATORS WILL ENSURE THE REALIZATION OF AN INDEPENDENT AND RELEVANT SENATE

Senate Majority Leader and reelectionist senator Kiko Pangilinan today said that talks to create a common ticket for reelectionist senators will strengthen the Upper Chamber's thrust to preserve the Senate's independence.

"If we are to change the quality of our political engagement, we should start thinking outside the box. In a sense we are trying to bring to the table as many players as possible to ensure that the Senate remains a repository of the aspirations and genuine sentiments of the vast majority of our people. It has to be so if it is to be a truly effective, independent and relevant as an institution," Kiko said.

"We are merely proposing to formalize what has been a reality being practiced for over two years since the political crisis erupted over the Hello Garci controversy. Senators from both sides of the political fence have crossed party lines to ensure that the Senate remained an independent and effective legislative body. The fruits of this have been a common stand on EO 464, CPR, PP 1017 as well as ChaCha. The working unity also resulted in the enactment of the Biofuels Law, the Supplemental Budget, amendments to the BCDA Law and the Automation of the Elections Law, and the latest being the 2007 Budget," Kiko added.

"The Senate has performed its duties both in the area of legislation and as a check and balance to Malacañang in the last two years. Hence, we put forth the idea of a common ticket for reelectionist senators together with other groups and individuals who share this common aspiration to pursue and follow through on the continuing need for a genuinely independent and vigilant Senate. We are confident that we will not be a pushover ticket, as we have our track records behind us. Ultimately, the position that we will take, will be responsive to the needs of the Filipino people." Kiko said.

"Today Senator Drilon, LP President, and Senate President Villar, NP President, representing both their respective parties met to discuss the possibility of forming the nucleus of the group. Talks shall continue and shall most certainly include other groups and individuals who share the same minimum basis of unity. " Kiko ended.