Obet’s bid wins support

Political leaders from various parts of the country have endorsed the inclusion of former League of Governors president Roberto "Obet" Pagdanganan in the senatorial line up of the EDSA forces ticket "to help ensure the victory of the people who made People Power II possible."

In separate resolutions and statements of support, the political leaders stressed the need for the administration coalition to listen to the will of the people who voted for Pagdanganan in the 1998 polls.

"His running for the Senate this May 14 election will be a way of seeking justice for more than seven million Filipinos who voted for him in 1998 but was edged out of the winning circle by dagdag-bawas," said the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP).

The LCP, along with the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Bulacan and the provincial leaders of Romblon joined prominent political leaders including those from the ruling Lakas-NUCD-Kampi in endorsing Pagdanganan.

Lakas provincial chairmen Rep. James Gordon Jr. (Zambales) former Congressman and now Vice Gov. Herminio Aquino (Tarlac), and Gov. Perpetuo Ylagan (Romblon) rallied behind Pagdanganan as they cited the former governor’s popularity among the electorate.

Even Pampanga Gov. Manuel "Lito" Lapid wrote to President Arroyo to express his belief that Pagdanganan "enjoys the support of the public and the private sector and he will be a plus factor for the party’s senatorial line-up."

Lapid, one of the key figures in administration party, also credited Pagdanganan for his loyalty to Lakas and his participation and contribution to the causes pursued by the party.