A major transport organization in the country has named re-electionist Sen. Bam Aquino as its lone senatorial candidate to support in the May 13 elections.

During its Monday’s meeting, the Alliance of Concerned Transport Organizations (ACTO), led by its national president Efren De Luna, formally announced the group’s full support behind Sen. Bam.

“Sa Mayo a-trese, wala po tayong ibang ilalagay kundi Bam Aquino, ibalik sa Senado,” said De Luna as he and other ACTO officials raised the hands of Sen. Bam to make the group’s endorsement official.

“Sa pamamagitan ni Sen. Bam Aquino, palaging bukas ang Senado para iparating ang ating mga problema,” added De Luna.

According to De Luna, Sen. Bam’s endorsement was approved by around 475,000 ACTO officials and members nationwide from different modes of transportation.

In his speech, Sen. Bam thanked ACTO officials and members for their trust, saying the group’s support will serve as huge boost in his bid for a second term.

“Malaking tulong ang suportang ito ng ACTO para maipagpatuloy natin ang ating partnership sa Senado,” said Sen. Bam, assuring that he will continue to serve as the transport sector’s voice in the Upper Chamber.

Sen. Bam filed a public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization bill with the support of ACTO, National Confederation of Transport Union (NCTU), Sentro, and Philippine Advocates for Transport Convergence.

In his Senate Bill No. 2056, Sen. Bam seeks to make jeepneys safer and more efficient for commuters and the environment, while ensuring the livelihood of drivers and their families.

“Kung gusto talaga natin ng modernisasyon, dapat makatarungan ito at abot-kaya para sa ating mga driver para hindi sila mawalan ng kabuhayan,” said Sen. Bam during his speech.

“Hindi dapat maapektuhan ang ating mga kabuhayan ng mga polisiya na hindi naman pinag-aralan nang husto. Naririto ako para bantayan at protektahan ang inyong hanapbuhay sa Senado,” he added.

Before the event, Sen. Bam joined pedicab, tricycle, and motorbike riders in a short walk to the venue.

Earlier, the NCTU also expressed full support behind the re-election bid of Sen. Bam, whom they consider as a dependable ally against the government’s oppressive modernization plan.