Labor, urban poor party declares backing for Escudero

Senator Francis Escudero. Photo courtesy of Senator Grace Poe’s Office

THE PARTIDO Lakas ng Masa (PLM), composed of labor and urban poor groups, has declared support for the vice presidential candidacy of Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero.

In a statement, PLM chair Sonny Melencio said “an alliance has now been forced between the party (PLM) and the senator on the basis of advancing specific and concrete demands” of PLM.

He said PLM leaders believe that Escudero would ensure that “the urgent, everyday problems of the Filipino masses are not list in the raucous electoral arena.”

Melencio said PLM is pushing for seven key reforms on employment, social services, land use, climate justice, budget, corruption and sovereignty.

PLM’s seven-point proposed agenda for the tandem of Grace Poe and Escudero is supported by seven senatorial candidates, 37 local candidates and three party-list groups.

The senatorial hopefuls that have expressed support for the PLM’s proposals include retired general and Young Officers Union founder Dado Valeroso of PLM, former Akbayan Rep. Walden Bello, Rep. Neri Colmenares of the Makabayan bloc, labor leader Allan Montano of the Federation of Free Workers, migrant workers advocate Susan Ople and legal counsels Lorna Kapunan and Levi Baligod.

Melencio said that the elections present an opportunity “to organize the masses under a platform for social change and meaningful reforms.”

Formed in January 2009, PLM is composed of national labor organizations Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino, Pagkakaisa ng Manggagawa sa Transportasyon, Kongreso ng Pagkakaisa ng Maralitang Lungsod, Aniban ng Manggagawa sa Agrikultura, Piglas Kabataan and Sanlakas.