MANILA, Philippines—Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero’s break from big business and his avowed pro-labor and pro-people stands on specific issues makes him a viable presidential candidate, the militant labor group Kilusang Mayo Uno said in a statement.

“In the context of the rotten and elitist party system in the Philippines, Chiz is saying the right thing. He has consistently taken pro-people stands during Arroyo’s reign, but we have always had this reservation that he is being controlled by Mr. Cojuangco,” said KMU chairman Elmer Labog of Escudero’s resignation from the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), which was founded by business tycoon and former Marcos crony Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco.

KMU praised Escudero for his stand against labor contractualization and the Oil Deregulation Law.

Labor contractualization is a chief form by which “capitalists exploit workers,” and while the Oil Deregulation Law allows the oil cartel “to suck the Filipinos dry,” Labog said.

“His record in actively opposing Gloria’s lying, stealing, and cheating regime already sets a standard by which other candidates should be measured. His recent statements raise the bar even higher. Slogans of ‘change’ should be anchored on a concrete record of opposing this anti-people regime and on concrete stands on issues,” he said, referring to the President by her given name.

While the labor center has still not cast its lot with any specific presidential candidate, Labog said the KMU and other progressive organizations are still holding dialogues with candidates and deliberating among themselves about the possibility of endorsing a candidate in the coming 2010 elections.

“Pro-people and pro-worker stands and a willingness to cooperate with progressive organizations are our main considerations. With his statements, Chiz is back on the agenda,” Labog said.

On analyses that Escudero may have committed political suicide with his departure from the NPC, the KMU chief said he believes otherwise.

“We believe that he has just revived his presidential campaign with his stands,” Labog said noting that other presidential aspirants should follow suit in clarifying their stands on issues “close to the heart of the people.”