(Photo courtesy of Lacson-Sotto media bureau) MANILA - More than 100 members of a group of villages in Quezon City have expressed support for the vice-presidential bid of Senate President Vicente Sotto III in the May 9 polls, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said on Tuesday. Belmonte, who heads the Serbisyo para sa Bayan local political party, said 122 members of the city's Liga ng mga Barangay rooted for Sotto as their vice presidential candidate due to his vast experience in public service which started when he was first elected as the city's vice mayor. Belmonte said their endorsement of Sotto was made after her consultations with local political party members. "SP Sotto was a unanimous choice of the members of my local party, yung Serbisyo para sa Bayan Party," Belmonte said. Sotto's running mate, Senator Panfilo Lacson, has yet to be endorsed by the group. "When it came to discussing presidents, di kami magkasundo ng members of the party and I'm not an authoritarian leader. I like to consult with members so it's still possible that the party might, later on, endorse a president. But as of this time di pa nagkakasundo members ng party (When it came to discussing presidents, our members have not yet agreed on a certain [presidential] candidate. I am not an authoritarian leader, I like to consult with members so it's still possible that the party might, later on, endorse a president. But as of this time, we have not reached an agreement)," Belmonte said. For his part, Sotto said the endorsement of the group is a big factor for his candidacy, considering that Quezon City is among cities that have the largest voting population. "Dito sa Quezon City nagsimula ang aking public service (I started in public service here in QC). I am humbled by the endorsement of the entire leadership of QC because this is more than enough to boost and inspire my candidacy," Sotto said after meeting with the members of the group at the Quezon Memorial Circle covered court. Sotto, however, said he is optimistic that the "Liga" members will consider Lacson as their presidential candidate. "Pero, I am very sure that Senator Lacson is one of those being considered by the leadership of QC. Malaki ang pag-asa, nauna lang ako. Ako naman kasi yung taga rito. (There is a big chance, and it so happened that I was endorsed first because I am from this city)," Sotto said. Lacson has said that endorsements from any political party will always be a big help to any candidate as it will boost their chances of getting more votes. "If it's given, I would welcome it wholeheartedly. If not, then I will have to go directly to the people of Quezon City. In past elections, at least in the three senatorial runs that I had, I got good numbers from Quezon City. I hope I can maintain that mandate and support from them," Lacson said. He, meanwhile, said Sotto, being a "real pride" of the city, truly deserves the group's endorsement. (PNA) }