MANILA, Philippines – The Bakud Party, a political party in Cebu allied with the ruling Liberal Party, has officially endorsed the tandem of senators Grace Poe and Francis "Chiz" Escudero.
The party announced its endorsement through a resolution dated Tuesday, March 15, and signed by Bakud president Ramon "Red" Durano VI, the vice mayor of Danao City in Cebu.
"It is hereby unanimously resolved by its board of directors that Bakud shall endorse and support the candidacy of Senator Grace Poe as President of the Republic of the Philippines and Senator Chiz Escudero as Vice President of the Republic of the Philippines in the coming May 9, 2016 national and local elections," the resolution read.
Bakud or the Barug Alang sa Kauswagan Ug Demokrasya, is a local party led by the Durano family of the 5th district of Cebu.
Bakud Party's vice president and Cebu 5th District Representative Ace Durano is the campaign manager of the Partido Galing at Puso comprised of Poe, Escudero, and their senatorial slate.
Both the political family and their party have been allies with the Liberal Party since 2013, helping the administration secure its place in the vote-rich province of Cebu.
In endorsing the tandem, the party said it was a strong and resounding sentiment among their general membership that only the tandem of Poe and Escudero embodies Bakud's ideals and principles, which include "moral ascendancy, sincerity, clean and honest governance."
"Bakud firmly believes that only Senator Grace Poe and and Senator Chiz Escudero will be able to address the problems besetting our country…. Bakud is firmly convinced of their character and capability to lead the nation and implement their platform of inclusive growth," the resolution read.
While party members already met with Poe and Escudero in October 2015, back then they said they were still open to other presidential candidates.
Durano earlier said his district has the second biggest voters' population in Cebu, with more than 300,000 voters. He said 1,587 of a total 1,789 elected local officials belong to their party. – Jee Y. Geronimo/Rappler.com