Labor leader De Guzman concedes defeat in Senate race

Senatorial bet Leody de Guzman, chair of the Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino. (Photo from his Facebook account)

MANILA, Philippines — A day after the May 13 elections, Labor Win alliance senatorial candidate Leody de Guzman conceded defeat after failing to enter the top 12 senatorial candidates in partial and unofficial election results.

In a Facebook post, De Guzman expressed gratitude to the people who have supported him and campaigned for him during his 2019 senatorial race.

He also expressed joy that he was able to touch the hearts of students and labor groups despite his defeat.

“Pagpapaabot ng pasasalamat sa inyong lahat na sumuporta at nangampanya para sa akin,” De Guzman said in a Facebook post.

“Hindi tayo pinalad na makapasok sa winning circle pero pumasok naman tayo sa puso ng mga kabataang estudyante at organisadong seksyon ng mga manggagawa,” he added.

In the latest update from the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting’s (PPCRV) transparency server, De Guzman placed 31st among 62 senatorial candidates, with 865,842 votes.

De Guzman said many laborers were happy that the Labor Win slate was established because the candidates of the party became the champion of laborers’ rights.

“Ikinatuwa ito ng maraming manggagawa na nakaalam ng makasaysayang pagkakaisa ng mga pambansang samahang manggagawa,” the Labor Win senatorial bet said.

“Makabuluhang pundasyon ito para sa higit na pagpapalakas ng laban para sa demokrasya ng mamamayan, hindi sa diktadurang iilan,” he added.

He said he will be championing democracy and the welfare of Filipino workers. (Editor: Jonathan P. Vicente)