Press Release
May 3, 2016

CHIZ EARNS BACKING OF COCO FARMERS, CIVIC GROUPS

Sen. Francis "Chiz" Escudero continues to reap endorsements in his quest to win the vice-presidential race with a few days left before the May 9 general elections.

Escudero, the running mate of presidential candidate Sen. Grace Poe, has locked up the support of the People's Coalition for Progressive Philippines (PCPP), the Confederation of Coconut Farmers Organization of the Philippines (CONFED), and the Tri-Council Mindanao.

PCPP is a coalition of 146 socio-civic organizations with a combined membership of 14 million people nationwide.

Its chairman, Manuel Barbara Jr., and other members of the board of trustees signed on Tuesday a manifesto expressing their full support for Escudero's vice-presidential bid.

"This is an assurance that the coalition will work for the election of Sen. Chiz Escudero as vice-president of the Republic of the Philippines," PCPP vice-president for legal Atty. Rogelio Bolivar said during the signing of the manifesto held at a restaurant in Quezon City.

Bolivar said they have already instructed their members to "exercise their right of suffrage and vote in favor of Sen. Escudero in the May 9 elections."

In the manifesto signed by its officials, the PCPP vowed to put Escudero "in the pedestal of political power in pursuit of gracious and heartfelt governance for the good of the country and its citizenry, and serve as a surety for the sustainable stability of a bright progressive future and respected dignity of our people."

Escudero also secured the endorsement of CONFED, which is the largest and broadest alliance of major coconut farmers' organizations in the country.

CONFED, which is headed by Efren Villaseñor, has over 3.2 million members.

Tri-Mindanao, a brotherhood of Muslim-Christian-Lumad in southern Philippines, is also backing the candidacy of Escudero.

It is headed by Datu Mao Andong Jr., who is also the national chairman of Kaunlaran ng mga Magsasaka at Manggagawa ng Pilipinas and national president of the Coconut Peasants' Reform Alliance (COPRA).

CONFED and Tri-Mindanao formalized their endorsement of Escudero during an event held at the Makati Sports Club Tuesday night.

Escudero had earlier received endorsements from political heavyweights, namely: Albay Gov. Joey Salceda, former Cebu Gov. Emilio "Lito" Osmeña and Negros Occidental Rep. Albee Benitez.

Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo "Pulong" Duterte, son of presidential candidate Rodrigo Duterte; former Sen. Leticia Ramos-Shahani, sister of former President Fidel Ramos; and Ifugao Gov. Denis Habawel are also pushing Escudero's vice-presidential run.

The lawmaker from Sorsogon is also supported by his fellow Bicolanos like Governors Edgardo Tallado of Camarines Norte and Raul Lee of Sorsogon. Catanduanes' gubernatorial candidate and incumbent Vice Gov. Jose "Bong" Teves Jr. and former Masbate Gov. Rizalina Seachon-Lañete, who is making a comeback bid, have also thrown their support for Escudero.

Also backing Escudero's candidacy are Barug Alang sa Kauswagan ug Demokrasya or Bakud Party of the prominent Durano clan in Cebu; Kabalikat ng Bayan Kaunlaran or KABAKA party of Manila mayoral candidate and incumbent Rep. Amado Bagatsing; and the Coalition of Clean Air Advocates Philippines that also named the senator as a "Clean Air Champion."

Transport groups like the Alliance of Concerned Transport Operators or ACTO, one of the country's biggest transport groups with 400,000 members nationwide; party-list NACTODAP (National Confederation of Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association); and the Stop & Go Coalition also vouched for Escudero's candidacy.

Escudero likewise obtained the endorsement of various Guardians Brotherhood associations under the Makabansang Unifikasyon ng Guardians, Inc. (MUG), which has an estimated 11 million members.

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