Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP) senatorial bet Jose “Joey” De Venecia III Sunday said he was “humbled” by the decision of military reformist group Magdalo Group to endorse him in the upcoming May 10 polls.

“Magdalo’s support strengthens my resolve to bring my fight for clean government to the Senate, along with our advocacy to genuinely uplift the lives of the poorest of the poor,” De Venecia said in a statement.

De Venecia, son of former Speaker Jose “Joe” De Venecia Jr., also received a support from former military members led by Senator Gregorio Honasan, validating his appeal to reform-minded men and women in uniform and their families.

Honasan personally conveyed to De Venecia that the Rebolusyonaryong Alyansang Makabayan - Young Officers’ Union (RAM-YOU), which he heads is including De Venecia in its lineup of national candidates for endorsement to its members in the May 10 polls.

De Venecia expressed his deep appreciation to the two backings, promising to help them pursue their reform agenda, not only within the military, but also in their fight against corruption and misuse of government resources.

“Both Senators Honasan and Trillanes have put their lives on the line to push for a badly-needed change in our government and Philippine society in general. I am truly thankful that they have favorably considered my candidacy, and I can do no less than to vow that I will remain true to their cause,” De Venecia said.

An Information Technology expert, De Venecia said he is “passionately committed to harnessing information technology to help empower our masses,” saying he will bring down telecommunications cost and democratize access to IT by bringing the Internet to every Filipino home.

The young de Venecia said he “will also work strenuously to restore professionalism in our uniformed services.” “We must honor our soldiers and other public servants by genuinely insulating them from partisan politics and exploitation by traditional politicians.” he added.