Leody de Guzman makes rounds in QC to woo voters

MANILA — Senatorial candidate Leody de Guzman of Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino on Sunday morning made the rounds of the Bureau of Forestry Compound in Barangay Central in Quezon City to woo voters and, he said, to touch base with partner organizations.

De Guzman greeted residents of the area, introduced himself, and even conversed with some supporters who recognized him from the 2022 polls.

"Gusto lang namin ipakita yung pag tuloy-tuloy ng ating laban, pakikipag-ugnayan natin sa kanila," he said.

(We just want to show that our struggle and our coordination with them is continuous)

De Guzman ran for president in the 2022 elections but lost.

The labor leader said candidates need to make the rounds, especially during campaign season, because it brings them closer to their potential constituents.

"[K]ahit wala namang eleksyon, andito kami. Kaya binabalikan lang namin yung ating, aming mga organisasyon at kauri na natulungan at pinaglalaban sa nakaraan," he added.

(Even when there are no elections, we are here. So, we are just touching base with the organizations and fellow members of the working class we have helped and have advocated for in the past)

When asked about ranking outside the "Magic 12" in a recent pre-election survey, De Guzman said he is not worried yet since it's still early in the campaign trail.

"Hindi naman kami nababahala dahil sabi ko nga, natural yun. Dahil sila ay gumagastos agad ng bilyong-bilyong pera para sa kanilang ads at pagpapakilala kahit wala pang kampanya. Eh kami ngayon lang kami magsisimula eh wala pa rin kaming pera," he said.

(We are not worried because that is natural. Of course, other candidates have spent billions for ads even before the campaign season starter. We are only starting now, and we still don't have money)

Following his house-to-house visit, De Guzman sat down with supporters and residents of the Bureau of Fisheries compound in Brgy. Central for a consultation.

Among the issues they brought up to the labor leader was the relocation of residents in the area due to possible demolition of properties.

De Guzman also participated in a boodle fight with supporters to show solidarity and camaraderie.

In the evening,  De Guzman and fellow senatorial bet and labor lawyer Luke Espiritu will attend the proclamation rally of Partido Lakas ng Masa (PLM), Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino (BMP), and Sanlakas at the Bantayog ng mga Bayani, also in Quezon City.

The event will also be attended by fellow labor leaders and senatorial candidates Sonny Matula of the Federation of Free Workers, Jerome Adonis of Kilusang Mayo Uno, and Ernie Arellano of Katipunan ng Kalayaang Kayumanggi.

Last week, De Guzman and Espiritu kicked off their campaign in Cebu province by meeting and consulting with their chapters and with students.