Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, who reiterated his support for presidential candidate Leni Robredo on Saturday, April 30, reminded Negrenses to go out and vote on May 9.
Lacson issued the call in his speech after the unity walk of the Aranetas and Ledesmas for Robredo and her runningmate Kiko Pangilinan in Bacolod City.
The governor commended the Ledesma and Araneta families for initiating the unity walk not just in Bacolod City but also in Iloilo and Makati.
“This unity walk, along with our show of support to our candidate, is a good reminder to our fellow Negrenses and Filipinos to go out and cast our votes this May 9,” he said.
Quoting Cambodian-American activist, Luong Ung, Lacson said “voting is not only our right, it is our power. When we vote we take back our power to choose, to speak up, to stand with those who support us and each other.”
Lacson said he had been in public service for more than 30 years and seen a lot of elections, but has never known a candidate inspire volunteerism as much as Robredo.
He said the unity walk of the Aranetas and Ledesmas “is another manifestation of such rarity”.
On the last stretch of the campaign period, Lacson called on those present at the event to stand and rally behind Robredo.
BEYOND BLOODLINE
Members of the Araneta and Ledesma families, described as two of the biggest families in the Philippines, held a “Palugaw” drive at the South Capitol Road after their unity walk on Saturday.
The unity walk participants were clad in pink and carrying Leni-Kiko banners. Some brought their dogs who also wore pink campaign shirts and ribbons.
The event started with an opening prayer for clean and honest elections, and for the victory of Robredo, Pangilinan and their senatorial slate.
The event is intended to show that the Ledesmas and Aranetas are a united family, with the majority of its members rejecting the presidential bid of Ferdinand Marcos Jr., despite his wife’s being a Ledesma and Araneta relative, Felix Golez IV said.
“The solidarity event aims to send the message that during this crucial time in history, the two families go beyond bloodlines to put God and country first and foremost. The two families are determined to convince and convert voters to make the obvious right choice – Leni and Kiko,” he said.
The “palugaw” was held for residents of nearby barangays and PUV drivers passing the South Capitol Road.
“The family members engaged in person-to-person conversation with the beneficiaries and spoke to them about the importance of voting for someone who has an excellent track-record, decades of experience in public service, and most importantly someone who has neither corruption cases nor allegations,” Golez said.
The family philosophy of the Ledesmas is Non Sibi Sed Cunctis, not for oneself, but for all, he said.
Ledesma family members have spoken out for those who are voiceless against tyranny, kelptocracy, rotten political dynasties, impunity, corruption, plunder, extra-judicial killings, and selfish political interests, he said.
Rafael “Paeng” Golez said they want to prove that the decent and honest Ledesmas and Aranetas want Robredo and Pangilinan to be president and vice president.
Robredo and Pangilinan exemplify decency and honesty, he said.
They also believe that Robredo is the most qualified and competent to be president, he added.
She is dedicated, hard-working, intelligent and compassionate, he said.
Members of the Araneta clan also said they are working hard for the victory of Robredo and Pangilinan.
Jim Milabo said the fight for Robredo and Panglinan to win is a battle for good governance.
Nenet Gonzaga said Robredo has the attributes of a good leader, “we are voting for the future of our younger generations”.
Her sentiments were echoed by her relatives Maria Teresa Gonzaga delos Reyes and Allyn Gonzaga Guevarra, who are also descendants of Negrense revolutionary leader Juan Araneta.*