1SAMBAYAN endorses KMU leader Elmer Labog for the Senate

1SAMBAYAN has announced its inclusion of labor leader Elmer “Ka Bong” Labog in its list of candidates for the Senate.

In a post on its official Facebook page, the group has included the long-time Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) chairperson in its list of endorsees, along with fellow new addition, re-electionist Richard Gordon.

Labog joins 1SAMBAYAN’s earlier endorsees Neri Colmenares, Rep. Teddy Baguilat, Senator Leila de Lima, Chel Diokno, Senator Risa Hontiveros, Alex Lacson, Sonny Matula and Sonny Trillanes.

On his own Facebook page, Labog said he fervently thanks 1SAMBAYAN for the group’s official endorsement of his candidacy.

“Your support and trust compels me further to fight for meaningful change for the people,” Labog said.

“Together, we will carry on the fight for the interests and rights of the workers, farmers, drivers and the poor through faithful leadership,” he added.

Labog’s labor federation, the KMU, thanked 1SAMBAYAN for its warm welcome of Labog.

Labog’s fellow Makabayan candidate for the Senate Neri Colmenares also thanked 1SAMBAYAN for its trust on Labog and himself.

“Elmer ‘Ka Bong’ Labog will not fail the people. He is a respected labor leader of the country’s biggest movement for the rights of workers, the KMU. It is my honor to be with the one and only Bong worthy of the Senate,” Colmenares said.

Labog is in 1SAMBAYAN’s standard bearer Vice President Leni Robredo’s hometown of Naga City, visiting transport terminals and public markets on a campaign swing when he learned of 1SAMBAYAN’s official endorsement.

He joined the Pinagkaisang Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide’s Bicol chapter in the city in protest actions against rising oil prices.

Labog reiterated his call for the removal of excise taxes on oil products he blames for making petroleum “unaffordable” amid global crude oil prices fluctuations triggered by the war in Eastern Europe. # (Raymund B. Villanueva)