Abandoning a man of honor with genuine concern for the poor seemed difficult for a senatorial candidate whose political group has decided to support a rival candidate for the presidency.

Unlike fellow Makabayan coalition senatorial bet Neri Colmenares, labor leader Elmer Labog has not yet asked Senator Manny Pacquiao to cancel his name from the list of senatorial hopefuls being endorsed by the PROMDI Party standard-bearer.

This, despite the fact that Labog, like Colmenares, belongs to the Makabayan group that has recently decided to endorse the candidacy of Pacquiao’s rival, opposition leader Vice President Leni Robredo.

“Malaking pasasalamat ang inilahad ni Senator Pacquiao sa aking (We are very grateful when Senator Pacquiao revealed my) inclusion without expecting anything in return,” Labog said, citing the senator’s magnanimity.

“But it came to this time that the Makabayan coalition which we are a part of, ay nag-decide to support another presidential candidate. We will have to abide by that democratic process,” said Labog during the launch on Saturday, Feb. 12 of the Kapihan sa Annabels Forum in Quezon City hosted by former Kabataan Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon.

Labog was clearly saddened by the Makabayan's decision even as he recalled how Pacquiao had generously helped the cause of groups pushing for anti-poverty and pro-labor advocacies.

“In terms of track record, ang tao namang iyan ay malinis, wala siyang bahid ng dungis sa panunungkulan (he is an upright man who does not have any dishonorable record in public service),” the labor leader said pf "Pacman".

Both candidates of the progressive group, Labog and Colmenares were included in the list of adopted senatorial bets of Pacquiao’s PROMDI-PDP/Laban(Pimentel Wing).

Colmenares was dropped from the list upon his request since he has been caught in an untenable situation where he must go all-out in pushing for Robredo’s candidacy.

Labog said it is up to Pacquiao to withdraw his support for his senatorial bid, adding that the Anakpawis and Makabayan groups which he represents will have to seek a meeting with the senator.

“But we will have to face him as a friend. We have to tell him what happened,” the labor leader said.

He added: “We are ready to speak to him and explain the process we have gone through. He can understand the situation, being a statesman.”