Bangon Pilipinas standard bearer Bro. Eddie Villanueva vowed over the weekend to relentlessly pursue the presidential race and give the electorate a chance to vote for a non-traditional candidate.

“Tumatakbo po ako para manalo kaya walang makikinabang sa boto ng mga tapat na taga-suporta dahil hindi po ako aatras (I ran to win and so no one else will benefit from the votes of our loyal supporters because I will not withdraw),” Villanueva said in a statement.

The Bangon presidential bet also attributed his determination not to back down from the race to the unfailing support of a number of local officials or those running for local positions such as Puerto Princesa Mayor Edward Hagedorn and Moro National Liberation Front founder Nur Misuari, who is currently gunning for the provincial governor post in Sulu.

Hagedorn, one of the well-respected leaders in Philippine politics, said he strongly believes Villanueva would win in the upcoming elections. He branded as “exaggerated and out of context” earlier reports quoting him that Villanueva might consider supporting another candidate.

“I will never say that Brother Eddie is willing to compromise because we don’t believe in surveys and we strongly believe we will win,” Hagedorn said.

The Puerto Princesa mayor endorsed earlier this month Villanueva, his running mate Perfecto Yasay and their senatorial slate composed of Dr. Zafrullah Alonto, Imelda Papin, lawyers Jess Paredes and Ramoncito Ocampo, broadcaster Kata Inocencio, Count Habib Adz Nikabulin, broadcaster Alex Tinsay, lawyer Reynaldo Princesa and Dr. Israel Virgines.