• CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
Vice President Sara Duterte endorsed 10 senatorial candidates, but has not yet endorsed any local candidate, during a press conference in La Castellana, Negros Occidental yesterday, where she distributed rice and other relief assistance to Kanlaon volcano evacuees.
The Vice President also visited evacuation centers in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, and La Carlota City, Negros Occidental, to distribute similar assistance.
The 10 senatorial candidates endorsed by the vice president were reelectionists Senators Bong Go and Ronaldo “Bato” Dela Rosa, lawyer and singer Jimmy Bondoc, lawyer Raul Lambino, former actor Philip Salvador, Negrense lawyer Jayvee Hinlo, Sagip Party-list Representative Rodante Marcoleta, Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, Dr. Marites Mata, and former executive secretary Vic Rodriguez.
Duterte said her father, jailed former President Rodrgo Duterte, requested her to ask the people to vote straight for the 10 senatorial candidates, six coming for Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP), while four are guest candidates.
She also asked the people to vote for senatorial candidates Imee Marcos and Camille Villar, who are her long-time friends, to complete the 11th and 12th slots for a full slate. She said she is endorsing both since they share the same vision as her father’s which is for a peaceful and prosperous Philippines.
Meanwhile, Duterte said that as for now, she has not endorsed any local candidate. She joins local politicians in campaigning for her senators and thanked those who have accommodated her such as former Bacolod congressman and mayor Evelio Leonardia who is running as an independent candidate for congressman of Bacolod City.
Leonardia has been officially adopted by Team El Cid led by Bacolod mayoralty candidate El Cid Familiaran and his running mate Renecito Novero.
On the other hand, Duterte advises local politicians to champion genuine service to their constituents. “We should remember that we need peace and development. These are what they should remember in their platforms.”*
