Presidential candidate Ka Leody De Guzman said he will not withdraw his candidacy in the May elections, despite surveys showing his low numbers.
Surveys show De Guzman has ranked in the bottom five out of the 10 presidential aspirants.
The latest Pulse Asia survey saw his rank rising to 7th place, and his rating improving to 0.1 percent.
The labor leader said he also has no intentions of supporting another candidate.
In an online forum held recently, De Guzman said he has no personal issues with the candidates, except Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.
However, he said his rivals are also focusing on the same system of governance, and the continuation of the same laws.
He also lamented that the economic progress of the country has always been in the hands of big busineses, which is not the proper way.
De Guzman said he is a democratic socialist and his platform hinges on a pro-labor and pro-masses programs.
Partido Lakas ng Masa (PLM) chairperson Sonny Melencio earlier said the candidacy of De Guzman will benefit from politicians who continue to shift allegiances prior to the May 9 elections.
Melencio said this is because Filipinos do not like political “turncoats.” Melencio said this trend would actually help bolster De Guzman’s chances in the elections.
Melencio further said De Guzman is a “a cut above the rest of the presidentiables since he has remained loyal to PLM.”
The labor leader has also proven “through decades of struggle for economic and political reforms” that he has “remained principled and steadfast in the pursuit of a better society,” Melencio, in an ABS-CBN news report further said.
The Partido Reporma, led by Davao del Norte 1st District Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez, earlier withdrew support for presidential candidate Sen. Panfilo Lacson and began backing the candidacy of Vice President Leni Robredo.
Reports said the latest Pulse Asia survey showed that 0.1 percent of respondents would vote for De Guzman if the elections were held during the period of February 18 to 23 and he ranks fifth among the 10 presidential candidates.