MANILA, Philippines -- Taking a page from his fellow inmates seeking public office, Navy Lieutenant James Layug has mobilized his political organization to do the campaigning for him as he waits for the resolution of cases against him before a general court-martial and a civilian court.

Detained for his participation in the 2003 Oakwood mutiny and the 2007 Peninsula Manila standoff with other officers, Layug is running for a congressional seat in Taguig?s hotly contested second district, facing two heavyweights enjoying the ?equity of the incumbent,? according to Magdalo spokesperson Alan Tanjusay.

?We just want people to hear what he has to say and make known his advocacies. After that, the people can decide,? Tanjusay told the Philippine Daily Inquirer in a phone interview.

He and Layug?s wife Amy led supporters in marking the official start of their candidate?s congressional bid Sunday morning. They heard Mass at the Ina ng Dukha parish in Western Bicutan before motoring around the city.

Community leaders backing Layug conducted door-to-door campaign in the second district, composed of at least 10 barangays, handling out leaflets containing the profile of the detained Navy officer.

?He really wants to be with us in the campaign. Every time there is an opportunity, he wants to come [to the campaign],? Tanjusay said. ?We also filed a standing request before the AFP for a temporary pass.?

He said that as far as he knew, the military has not granted a pass to any of the detained officers running in the May elections. Nevertheless, the Layug camp persistently keeps pushing for the furlough because of the importance of being seen by voters.

?We want him out. It is a huge factor if people see the candidate in the flesh and hear him speak about his vision and platform,? he said.

Also detained for rebellion charges are Brig. Gen Danilo Lim and Col. Ariel Querubin, both seeking Senate seats as candidates of the Liberal and Nacionalista parties respectively.

Layug posted bail for the Peninsula Manila incident before the Makati Regional Trial Court, but the bail bond could not cover his cases before the military court.

He was moved by the military to the AFP Custodial center in Camp Aguinaldo, so he could face the general court-martial for violating the Articles of War.

In the meantime, while Layug remains behind bars, Tanjusay said the campaign has been heavily relying on volunteers ?who believe in his advocacy.? Their supporters have been assigned to ?strategic? areas where they campaign for their bet using leaflets, audio-visual presentations and word of mouth.

Also, the Layug campaign set up hubs they call community information centers where voters could learn about the background of the detained officer, whom Tanjusay said called a native of Taguig.

?When he was growing up, he saw the city?s plight. From the time he graduated from the PMA (Philippine Military Academy) until today, the condition remains the same,? Tanjusay said.

Among Layug?s rivals in the race to the House of Representatives are three-term Mayor Sigfrido Tinga and recently proclaimed winner of the 2007 congressional race Angelito ?Jett? Reyes.

?[Tinga and Reyes] have the equity of the incumbent,? Tanjusay conceded, explaining that both men have laid the groundwork for their respective campaigns. But the Layug camp remains confident about their campaign.

?We want people to lend an ear to James? advocacy and his vision for Taguig,? he added.