The Davao City-based AGRI Party-list said it is fully supporting the Senate comeback of Sorsogon Governor Francis “Chiz” Escudero as they express satisfaction for his being a “steadfast ally” of farmers and the agriculture sector.
In a statement, AGRI chairman Wilbert Lee said the party-list group, which represents farmers and agricultural workers cited Escudero’s strong and consistent stand in support of the industry.
“AGRI Party-list joins millions of voters, numerous sectoral organizations, and fellow party-list groups that have expressed their support for the senatorial candidacy of Sorsogon Gov. Francis Joseph ‘Chiz’ G. Escudero,” Lee said in a statement.
“AGRI kami kay Chiz sa Senado,” they stated, saying further that Escudero has constitently supported legislation, programs and policies that benefit the Filipino farmer in his 21 years as a legislator, 12 years of which, as senator.
“In Gov. Escudero, the agriculture sector has a steadfast ally who has pushed repeatedly for increased government funding and support for our sector as he recognizes its critical role in ensuring the food security of our people and its capacity to contribute to the growth of our economy,” they said.
They are also confident that with Escudero back in the Senate, the institution “would benefit from his knowledge, experience, and statesmanship.”
“A lawyer who has an impressive track record...a lawmaker and a leader who serves as a sterling role model, Gov. Escudero is the senator we can trust to fight for our rights and our welfare—one who deserves a fresh term in the Senate,” Lee also said.
The AGRI Party-list joins the growing list of party-list organizations that have endorsed Escudero’s return to the Senate. Other groups are the Ang Kabuhayan, An Waray, ARISE, BHW, Kusog Bikolandia, Agimat and the Magdalo group.
The Federation of Free Farmers, a 200,000-strong non-government organization (NGO) considered one of the biggest in the country, has also endorsed the governor.
The tandems of Vice President Leni Robredo and Senator Kiko Pangilinan; Senator Ping Lacson and Senate President Tito Sotto; and Senator Manny Pacquiao and Rep. Lito Atienza have also adopted Escudero in their senatorial slates.