Magdalo group endorses Villar, Querubin

Nacionalista Party presidential bet Sen. Manuel Villar Jr. welcomed Thursday the endorsement of the Magdalo group, an erstwhile military reformist group transformed into a nationwide socio-political movement.

In a press conference in San Juan, Magdalo national spokesman former Air Force Lt. Ashley Acedillo announced that the group will throw its support to the candidacy of the NP standard-bearer and Liberal party vice presidential candidate Sen. Manuel Roxas II.

Marine Colonel Ariel Querubin was also the top choice for senator endorsed by the Magdalo group, Acedillo said. The senatorial preference was chosen, ranked and endorsed based on the series of consultations of the different Magdalo Chapters nationwide.

Villar welcomed the endorsement made by the group which is mostly composed of junior military officers who gained fame after staging a mutiny against the Arroyo government in 2003.

"Ako ay lubos na nagpapasalamat sa Magdalo na nagpahayag ng kanilang buong pagtitiwala at pagsuporta sa aking kakayanang mamuno ng ating bansa," said Villar who was in Pasig at the time the military officers made their statement. ("I am very thankful for the Magdalo for expressing their faith and support to my capability to lead the nation.")

"Ang ating pakikipaglaban sa kahirapan ay nakatagpo ng magigiting na kaalyado sa katauhan ng mga kasapi ng Magdalo," he added. ("My fight against poverty has found a strong ally among the members of the Magdalo.")

"Senator Villar, myself and Senator Antonio Trillanes IV apparently share the same vision for our country --- that of good governance, strong leadership and anti-corruption," Querubin said in a statement.

A Medal of Valor awardee, Querubin called the endorsement of Villar "an answered prayer", saying that he was "glad that Trillanes and his group chose to support a candidate with a strong pro-poor vision for the country.

"I hope that this revitalized and strong alliance forged today will be celebrated throughout the country by all patriotic Filipinos. The Villar-Querubin-Trillanes partnership will be our first step towards a better, more responsive Republic after May 2010."