The Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino (LDP) will endorse the senatorial candidacy of Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago and eight other candidates running for the position in the May, 2010 elections.

Sen. Edgardo Angara, LDP chairman, said in a statement that the party’s senatorial picks were approved in a meeting with party leaders, members and coordinators at the Manila Golf Club.

Apart from Enrile and Santiago, the LDP will also support the senatorial bid of Senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada, former economic planning secretary and former senator Ralph Recto, Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr., Sen. Manuel “Lito” Lapid, and Cabinet Secretary Silvestre Bello.

“Our party is proud to endorse these candidates who have proven their commitment to public service and who have solid track records in legislation and governance,” said Angara.

Enrile is also carried by former President Joseph Estrada’s Partido ng Masang Pilipino (PMP) while Santiago’s bid is supported by Sen. Manuel Villar Jr.’s Nacionalista Party. She is also a guest candidate of Lakas-Kampi-CMD and Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC).

LDP governors who approved it included Gov. Sally Perez of Antique, Gov. Sally Lee of Sorsogon, Gov. Bellaflor Angara Castillo of Aurora, Gov. Floydelia Diasen of Kalinga, Gov. Teresita Lazaro of Laguna, Gov. Josephine Sato of Occidental Mindoro, Gov. Erico Aumentado of Bohol, Gov. Miguel Dominguez of Sarangani, Gov. Ben Evardone of Eastern Samar, and Gov. Daisy Fuentes of South Cotabato.

Angara also said the move was also supported by Rep. Anne Hofer of Zamboanga Sibugay, Rep. Juan Edgardo Angara of Aurora, Rep. Mark Enverga of Quezon, Rep. Marci Teodoro of Marikina, Rep. Annie Susano of Quezon City 2nd Dist, Rep. Nanette Daza of Quezon City 4th Dist, and Rep. Egay San Luis of Laguna 4th Dist.