Makabayan Coalition senatorial bet ex-Rep. Nery Colmenares on Sunday, Oct. 17 lauded Senator Manny Pacquiao as the presidential candidate who is expected to fight for the protection of workers, farmers and the marginalized sector in the country.

Colmenares aired this view after Pacquiao endorsed his senatorial bid as part of the boxing icon’s slate for the Senate.

Pacquiao also listed senatorial candidate Elmer Labog, chairman of the Kilusang Mayo Uno labor organization, as part of his team for the 2022 national elections.

Pacquiao endorsed ten other senatorial bets for next year’s elections. He has chosen Buhay Partylist Rep. Lito Atienza for his running mate.

The world-famous professional boxer heads the Pimentel wing of the PDP-Laban but is officially listed in the Commission on Elections as presidential candidate of Promdi party.

.“This endorsement and expression of support for me and KMU Chairman Elmer Labog, is a sign that he recognizes the need for candidates in the Senate that will push for the legislative agenda of workers, the farmers and the marginalized sectors in our country today,” said Colmenares.

“The recognition and support of a presidential candidate, like Sen. Pacquiao, is very important for candidates like me who rely on the support of ordinary Filipinos in our campaign,” he said.

The former Bayan Muna congressman added: “We value such unconditional endorsement.” Colmenares and Labog have also been listed in the senatorial slate of presidential candidate Leody de Guzman, also a labor leader.

“While we continue to push for the unification of the opposition in the country to defeat the efforts of Duterte and Marcos to return to Malacanang in 2022, the inclusion of pro-people candidates in the senatorial slates of different presidential candidates is certainly a very positive development,” said Colmenares.