Quezon City Mayor Feliciano “Sonny” R. Belmonte Jr. has endorsed Quezon City Councilor Winston “Winnie” Castelo as the congressional candidate of the Liberal Party, led by the tandem of Senators Beningno “Noynoy” C. Aquino III and Manuel “Mar” A. Roxas II, in the second district of Quezon City.

The endorsement came as Castelo, who was recently named as “Supremo ng Konseho,” the highest award given by the Quezon City Press Corps, led in many surveys conducted in Quezon City last year.

Castelo, however, said the endorsement was an offshoot of a long partnership with Belmonte in the development of Quezon City. "I thank Mayor Belmonte for the chance he gave me to work with him in making Quezon City what it is now. I am thanking him again for his renewed trust and another round of partnership."

Last year, LP vice presidential candidate Roxas raised the hand of Castelo to show his support for the four-time No.1 councilor.

Castelo strengthened his position in the LP slate in Quezon City led by the ticket of Vice Mayor Herbert Bautista and Joy Belmonte who are running for mayor and vice mayor, respectively.

Observers said Castelo is a big boost for the Bautista-Belmonte ticket in Quezon City, considering his lawmaker's popularity and support from thousands of poor residents who benefitted from his socialized housing program. "Winnie is well loved by his constituents because of his performance at the council. He is more than ripe to take on the challenges at the House," observers said.