The Magdalo, a reform-oriented movement formed by rebel soldiers who staged a series of coup attempts against the Arroyo government, has officially endorsed Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero of the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) as its preferred presidential bet next year.

Escudero emerged as the top choice in a voting process that involved more than 300 regional and provincial leaders of the Magdalo Sunday.

Air Force 1st Lt. Francisco Acedillo, Magdalo national spokesman, said the 40-year-old Escudero emerged as the preferred presidential bet among the four political personalities who are all consistent critics of the Arroyo administration.

Escudero has been consistently placing in the top three slots for the most popular presidential bets in different surveys in the recent past.

During the Magdalo’s first national convention held at the University Hotel at the UP complex in Diliman, Quezon City, the group also promoted the political bids of their six colleagues who were all implicated in failed attempts to overthrow the government.

The endorsements were made official through Party Resolutions 09-001 and 09-002 that were signed by Magdalo chairman Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, a former Navy lieutenant senior grade who is still under detention for rebellion in connection with the failed Oakwood mutiny in July 2003.

The other prominent Magdalo members with political plans next year include Army Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim and Marine Col. Ariel Querubin, also both detained. They will seek seats in the Senate in next year’s elections.

Four others are pursuing elective positions in the local level – LtSG James Layug for the second congressional district of Taguig City; Army Capt. Dante Langkit, lone district of Kalinga province; Marine Capt. Gary Alejano for mayor of Sipalay City, Negros; and Acedillo, who is seeking a congressional seat in the second district of Cebu City.

According to Acedillo, Escudero garnered 53.7 percent of the votes cast by party leaders or a 24.7 percent margin over the candidate with the second highest number of votes.

The Magdalo, which was described as a “socio-political” movement with an objective in pursuing genuine reforms in the government, has more than 40,000 card bearing members nationwide.

The leaders of its 357 chapters at the provincial, city and municipal levels were allowed to vote for their preferred presidential timber during a meeting last Thursday.

The other political personalities included in the selection process were Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, Sen. Manuel “Manny” Villar and former president Joseph “Erap” Estrada.

The Magdalo group made the announcement although Escudero has yet to make up his mind about his political plans.

“It (selection process) was a long and tedious process. It took us more than two months to gather our chapter presidents to come up with our choice of president,” Acedillo added.