Zajid Mangudadatu thanks PDP-Laban for considering him for senatorial lineup

Maguindanao Representative Zajid Mangudadatu has thanked President Rodrigo Duterte and other PDP-Laban leaders for considering him for the party's senatorial lineup for the 2019 elections.

“I am humbled by the vote of confidence given to me by PDP-Laban, Speaker [Pantaleon] Alvarez, and President Duterte. I will work hard so that there will be proper representation for Filipino Muslims in the Senate,” Mangudadatu said in a statement on Sunday.

Alvarez on Thursday introduced Mangudadatu as among those being considered for PDP-Laban senatorial candidates during an oath-taking of new party members in Bacong town in Negros Oriental on Thursday.

He noted that it has been "too long" since a Muslim ran for senator, referring to Mangudadatu's endorsement.

Mangudadatu, who is part of the group of lawmakers tasked to consolidate the four Bangsamoro Basic Law proposals, said he accepted the party's decision.

“My main thrust and motivation will be towards long lasting peace and progress not just in Mindanao but the entire Philippines," he said.

"I pray and hope that the entire Filipino people will give me the trust and break the barrier of religious beliefs that has hindered long-lasting peace and sustainable progress in major parts of our country," he added.

Aside from Mangudadatu, Alvarez also named Special Assistant to the President Secretary Bong Go, Oriental Mindoro Representative Reynaldo Umali, and Negros Occidental Representative Alfredo “Albee” Benitez as being groomed to run for senators under PDP-Laban.

He also earlier named presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, communications assistant secretary Mocha Uson, and Representatives Karlo Nograles of Davao City and Geraldine Roman of Bataan as those who may be included on the senatorial slate. — Erwin Colcol/BM, GMA News