Thread by @rapplerdotcom

Rappler congressional reporter @ramboreports sits down with Bayan Muna chairman Neri Colmenares (@ColmenaresPH), who once represented the group in the House and was part of the Makabayan bloc.

#RapplerTalk rappler.com/nation/intervi…

@ramboreports @ColmenaresPH Despite the attacks, the Makabayan bloc continues to be one of the staunchest administration critics in Congress. They are not the sole entity that represents the Left, but they are the loudest. Fellow lawmakers also listen to them.

#RapplerTalk

Ano ba ang Kaliwa?

.@ColmenaresPH: It stems from the traditional concept noong panahon ng British parliament. Sabi nila ang opposition ay nasa left, and majority ay nasa right. #RapplerTalk

@ColmenaresPH .@ColmenaresPH: For example, 'di naman namin kinahihiya na Kaliwa kami. We file bills na most of the members of the legislature will not probably file.... We file reso to investigate [kahit] na hindi ganoon ka-popular. #RapplerTalk

@ColmenaresPH .@ColmenaresPH: We cannot monopolize the Left in the Congress. Hindi lamang kami ang Kaliwa diyan.... Ibang kongresista also file pro-people bills. #RapplerTalk

.@ColmenaresPH: Ang Makabayan, hindi naman totoo na batikos nang batikos at walang ginagawa. We offer solutions. #RapplerTalk

@ColmenaresPH .@ColmenaresPH: Malaking bahagi kung bakit tayo mahirap ay dahil walang nagbabantay ng budget. #RapplerTalk

.@ColmenaresPH on the brand "genuine minority": Hindi naman namin kine-claim na kami ang may monopoly. ... Ang kinaiba namin, may data at research kami. Our staff are from the sectors. #RapplerTalk

Colmenares on the sorry state of party-list system: Mayroon namang ibang party-list na nagsasalita diyan. I was the lawyer who petitioned to disqualify major political parties. #RapplerTalk

.@ColmenaresPH: We won [the petition]. Sabi ng SC, nanalo kami, they said the party-list system is reserved for the marginalized. #RapplerTalk

How do you feel about the party-list system in the country? Share your thoughts with us! #RapplerTalk

.@ColmenaresPH: Despite the entry of many congressmen, the poor are still underrepresented..... Ang daming mayayaman na nandiyan, underrepresented pa rin ang mahihirap at marginalized. #RapplerTalk

.@ColmenaresPH says the issue of dissent can be done whether in Congress, in courts, or in the streets. This made the bloc difficult to be removed from the party-list system. #RapplerTalk

.@ColmenaresPH says media should do its work despite the attacks. #RapplerTalk

@ColmenaresPH .@ColmenaresPH: Hindi ito ang lipunan na gustong paglakihan ng mga anak natin. #RapplerTalk

.@ColmenaresPH: Paano ka naman makasuntok sa buwan kung hindi ka susuntok? Sabi nila suntok sa buwan ang Makabayan na makapanalo sa Senado.... We're going to make a bid in 2022. I'm one of those being considered. #RapplerTalk

.@ColmenaresPH: President Duterte one of the most intimidating presidents in the history. Very powerful sila ngayon. Ang counter namin ay suporta ng taumbayan. #RapplerTalk

Colmenares says Filipinos should participate in social media counter-narrative vs trolls. He adds that people should have time to post social commentaries. #RapplerTalk