MANILA, Philippines – In his final show of force before the May 9 polls, labor leader and presidential candidate Leody de Guzman hit anew his so-called “elitist” politicians.

During his miting de avance in Quezon Memorial Circle on Wednesday, May 4, De Guzman told the voters that there is no hope with politicians who are famous and rich.

“Mga kasama, kung tayo ay naghahangad ng pagbabago. Kung tayo ay naghahangad ng magandang buhay sa ating mga anak, magandang kinabukasan. Walang pag-asa, walang pag-asa mga kasama sa mga sikat, sa mga makikinis, sa mga kandidatong galing sa mga exclusive subdivision,” the labor leader said.

(My colleagues, if we are really seeking for change. If we are seeking for a better life for our children, a better future. There is no hope, there is no hope with those who are famous, flawless, with candidates who are from exclusive subdivisions.)

De Guzman, the standard bearer of Partido Lakas ng Masa (PLM), is running under his platforms anchored in political and economic reforms. His major platform is the “Labor First Policy,” which seeks to end contractualization and raise the minimum wage.

The labor leader added, still pertaining to his so-called “elitist” politicians: “Iba ang problema nila kaysa sa atin (They have different concerns).”

The labor leader’s miting de avance came a bit as a surprise because he held his final show of force a few more days before the election day. Usually, politicians will utilize up until the last days of the campaign period.

Despite holding his miting de avance early, De Guzman said he and his slate will still continue campaigning in different parts of the country. The labor leader also said he will campaign in his home province Rizal.

De Guzman’s running mate, Laban ng Masa chairperson Walden Bello, is also present in the event. Although Bello left the venue early due to health reasons.

PLM Senatorial bets Luke Espiritu, Roy Cabonegro, and David D’Angelo each gave their speeches before their supporters. The three are the main bets under the PLM, which also caters to other guest candidates.

Kilusang Mayo Uno chairperson and Makabayan Senatorial bet Elmer “Ka Bong” Labog attended the campaign event. His fellow Makabayan bet, Neri Colmenares, gave a video message for the supporters of De Guzman.

Aside from the endorsement of opposition coalition 1Sambayan, the two Senatorial bets are also guest candidates of De Guzman and Bello.

Representatives of Senatorial bet Teddy Baguilat and reelectionist Senator Risa Hontiveros also made appearances at the miting de avance. Meanwhile, a video message of detained Senator Leila de Lima was played during the event.

There is only less than a week left for De Guzman to woo more votes before the May 9 polls decide his fate. As per the last Pulse Asia survey, De Guzman lags behind other presidential bets with only 0.3 voting preference. – Rappler.com