Koko Pimentel skips first Hugpong’s campaign rally

Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III (right) skips the first campaign event of Hugpong ng Pagbabago in San Fernando, Pampanga on Tuesday, Feb. 12, to attend a television show hosted by journalist Rey Langit. (Photo courtesy of Senator Koko Pimentel)

SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III skipped the campaign rally of Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte’s Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) here on Tuesday.

Instead of the senator, chef Kathrina Yu-Pimentel, whom he married last year, appeared before supporters of the political party and delivered a speech on his behalf.

Kathrina Yu-Pimentel, wife of Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, attends the first stretch of the campaign of Hugpong ng Pagbabago in Pampanga on Tuesday, Feb. 12, on behalf of her husband. Cathrine Gonzales / INQUIRER.net.

In a text message to INQUIRER.net, Pimentel said he skipped the campaign rally to attend the show of Rey Langit.

“Because I’m here. Already gave Rey Langit my word that I will guest in his show. I honored my word. Will be present in the rally this afternoon,” he said.

Another campaign rally is set by the HNP at the Asean Convention Center in Clark, Pampanga on Tuesday afternoon.

In her speech, Mrs. Pimentel said the senator wants to end contractualization, boost business, lower the price of goods, and will recommend the regularization of government employees. /je