ALU supports Gwen's senatorial bid

CEBU, Philippines - The senatorial bid of Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia got the endorsement from the Associated Labor Unions-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines National President Democrito Mendoza.

Governor Garcia was invited to welcome the delegates of the 14th Supreme National Congress of the Associated Labor Unions-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines yesterday at the JSU/PSU Mariners Court here.

After Governor Garcia’s message to welcome the more than 600 delegates from Luzon, Mindanao and Visayas, Mendoza stood up and made a surprise announcement to support the senatorial bid of Garcia.

Mendoza said the close to 200,000 members of the ALU-TUCP will support Garcia not only because of her good track record as Cebu governor, but she is helping the cause of the workers.

Mendoza said they believe that once Governor Garcia sits at the Senate, she will work for the good of the workers.

According to Mendoza, Governor Garcia will be the representative of the Cebuanos and the people at the Visayas and Mindanao to the Senate.

When asked by reporters after Mendoza’s endorsement, Garcia said she was surprised and thanked Mendoza and the ALU-TUCP officials.

“Dako gayud kaayo ang akong kalipay nga gi-endorse ni Manlalaban Democrito Mendoza, wala ko magpaabot nga iya e-endorse,” said Governor Garcia. (I did not expect this but I am very happy.)

Garcia lauded the leadership of Mendoza at the ALU-TUCP.

Garcia is one of the candidates for senator under the United Nationalist Alliance headed by Vice President Jejomar Binay, former president Joseph Estrada and Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile.

TUCP Partylist Rep. Raymund Mendoza said Governor Garcia’s track record as governor will make her a good asset at the Senate.

According to Rep. Mendoza, ALU-TUCP endorses candidates for local and national positions based on their qualification.

For her part, Brother Gerardo Seno, National Vice President for Membership Recruitment and Services and member of the Oversight Executive Committee of ALU-TUCP, said that the union believes that Garcia can bring the issues and concerns of the labor sector to the Senate.  (FREEMAN)