MANILA - Detained former Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr will seek a Senate seat in the 2019 midterm elections, his political party said Friday.

The former action star, who stood trial for plunder, was in the 11 to 17 range based on a Sept. 1 to 7 Pulse Asia poll of voter preferences for the 12 Senate seats up for grabs in May next year.

Revilla is "one of the most qualified senatorial aspirants" with a "passion and dedication to serve,"said Martin Romualdez, president of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats.

The son of former senator Ramon Revilla Sr is detained at Camp Crame police general headquarters. He denied allegations he misused P224 million from his "pork barrel" or discretionary funds.

Revilla's plunder trial ended in April and his case is up for decision.

• Sandiganbayan ends Revilla plunder trial
• Women top 2019 senatorial survey: Pulse Asia

Romualdez said Lakas-CMD would support the senatorial candidates to be endorsed by Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio's Hugpong ng Pagbabago.