Former vice president Leni Robredo and Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson called on Negrenses to vote for former senators Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino and Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan at the Paglaum People’s Rally in Bacolod City, Wednesday night, March 19.
Robredo appealed to those who supported her when she ran for vice president and president to triple their efforts to ensure victory for Aquino and Pangilinan because “we need good people in the Senate”.
Aquino and Pangilinan are very competent and good public servants, as proven by their track records in the Senate, which is what the nation needs today, Robredo told the crowd of about 4,000 who gathered at the Paglaum Sports Stadium.
“These two are always ready to sacrifice for the country. We should, too,” she said.
Robredo, who is running for mayor of Naga City, also thanked the Negrenses for their support for her during the 2016 and 2022 elections.
“Let us not waste what we started three years ago because we showed that when we raise our voices, even amid the challenges…we gather our strength because we are not just fighting for our candidates, but for our country.” Robredo said.
LENI ENDORSES ML PARTYLIST, TOO
Roberdo also endorsed the Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Partylist, whose first nominee is former senator Leila de Lima.
De Lima, who joined the Bacolod rally, said Aquino and Pangilinan need to return to the Senate because they will fight for the Filipino people with integrity and competence.
She said Pangilinan has continued to champion the cause of the farmers and Aquino has fought for the students and the youth.
Her ML Partylist will also continue the fight for justice and reform, she added.
LACSON SUPPORTS BAM, KIKO
Lacson, who supported Robredo’s run for the presidency, said he was supporting Aquino and Pangilinan because over the years, they have consistently proven their mettle in the Senate.
“Senator Kiko has been a big supporter and advocate of agriculture. It is for this reason that, as a predominantly agricultural province, we recognize and appreciate his commitment to uplifting the lives of our farmers, strengthening food security, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices,” Lacson said.
He also pointed out that Aquino authored Republic Act 10931 or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act.
“Their leadership and advocacy have greatly contributed to policies that empower and uplift people, and we fully support their candidacy,” he said.
Lascon, in an interview, said the local coalition in Negros is committed to support the Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas team of the president “but the reality is many, not the officials, are not inclined to support a straight team and are looking for possible alternative candidates”.
He is endorsing Aquino and Pangilinan who are running as independent candidates and not as opposition to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Lacson said.
The Paglaum People’s Rally in Bacolod City, Wednesday night.*Bam Aquino FB page photos
Kiko Pangilinan, who was unable to attend the Bacolod rally because of a prior schedule in Bohol, was represented by his brother, Anthony.
Senator Risa Hontiveros and Gary Alejano of the Magdalo party-list group called on Negrenses to support for Aquino and Pangilinan.
Former Negros Occidental governor Rafael Coscolluela, who is also supporting the candidacies of the two former senators, introduced Robredo to the Paglaum crowd who responded by cheering and chanting her name as she took to the stage.*