Transport group backs BOPK, TUCP, 2 others

CEBU, Philippines - Transport group Alliance of Transport Operators Member Intra Cebu (ATOMIC) is endorsing the Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan, the Trade Union Congress Party Partylist, and senatorial candidates Cynthia Villar and Antonio Trillianes. 

ATOMIC is composed of 5,000 drivers and operators of public utility jeepneys, taxis, tricycles and motorcycles for hire.

ATOMIC Chairman Rudy Laconza said the group is TUCP because majority of its members are drivers who are also laborers belonging in the informal sector.

Laconza said the group is supporting BOPK, especially mayoralty candidate Tomas Osmeña, because of his heart for the poor.

"Si Mayor Osmeña istrikto pero humok ug kasing-kasing," he said.

Laconza said ATOMIC is very organized and proof of which was the BOPK proclamation rally at the Capitol grounds that drew an estimated crowd of 65,000. Laconza said many drivers attended the event.

"Daghang mga draybers sa habal-habal, trisikad ug uban pa ang nanambong ato," Laconza said.

The group also believes in Villar's advocacies to alleviate the conditions of the poor through her foundation.

"Si Villar, daghan na ug track record nga mutabang sa mga kabus pina-agi sa iyang Villar Foundation. Suportahan namo siya," Laconza said.

Villar recently got the endorsement from the White Vote Movemnent headed by El Shadai, the Catholic Conscience Vote Phils, and the Makabayan, a coalition of eight different party-lists.

Art Barrit, ALU -TUCP spokesperson, said in a press conference yesterday that TUCP Partylist will officially announce on May 1, in time for the Labor Day celebration, here in Cebu, the  complete list of senatorial candidates the group will be supporting.

ALU-TUCP is the country's biggest labor union. — (FREEMAN)