MANILA—Labor-rights advocate and presidential candidate Leody de Guzman on Saturday announced the 9 people he is endorsing for senator in next year's elections.

• Ka Leody De Guzman accepts nomination for president in 2022 from labor groups

De Guzman's list is a mix of human-rights and labor advocates, as he seeks to end labor malpractices and change a system of governance "driven by elites."

"Maraming nagtanong mula kahapon kung sino ang aking mga senador sa 2022. Narito ang aking personal na mungkahi. Wala silang obligasyong dalhin ang aking kandidatura. Hindi ito transactional politics. Nagtitiwala ako sa kanilang hangarin para sa bayan," he said.

De Guzman is batting for labor leader Luke Espiritu, and environmentalists Roy Cabonegro and David D'Angelo, De Guzman's party-mates under the Partido Lakas ng Masa (PLM).

He also announced guest candidates, such as Kilusang Mayo Uno chair Elmer "Bong" Labog, labor lawyer Sonny Matula, and activist lawyer and former Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares.

De Guzman is also endorsing human rights lawyer Chel Diokno, Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros, and detained Senator Leila De Lima, whom he all described as non-party-mates he trusts.

• Labor rights leader Elmer Labog files candidacy for senator; Anakpawis party-list seeks return to Congress
• Neri Colmenares to run for senator

Diokno, Hontiveros, and De Lima are all running under Vice-President and presidential aspirant Leni Robredo's slate, while Colmenares and Labog are both backed by the Makabayan Coalition.

In his speech after filing his certificate of candidacy for the presidency, De Guzman highlighted the need for a change in governance as the current system continues to be "elite-based."

“Hindi na pwedeng magpatuloy ang ganitong kalagayan. Kailangang baguhin ang mga batas at patakaran na nagliligalisa sa pagkakamal ng yaman ng iilan, at pagpapahirap sa mga manggagawa at masa ng sambayanan,” he said.

(This situation can no longer continue. There is a need to change the laws and policies that legalize the accumulation of wealth by the few, and the oppression of workers and the masses.)

RELATED VIDEO:

Watch more in iWantv or TFC.tv