Sen. Bam Aquino. INQUIRER.net file photo / CATHY MIRANDA
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is an updated version to correct earlier published story that said Kris Aquino is supporting the whole Otso Diretso slate.
MANILA, Philippines — Reelectionist Senator Bam Aquino on Friday said his cousin, celebrity and businesswoman Kris Aquino, has given her “100 percent support” to his candidacy.
According to him, Kris assured him of her support via a text message following a recent senatorial debate. However, he added, Kris said she could not openly campaign for him because of terms stipulated in her contracts for various endorsements.
“After the debate, after maybe 30 minutes pagkatapos no’ng debate, Ate Kris sent word already, and she said ‘from Tokyo, Bam please tell everyone I have 100 percent support for you’,” Aquino said in an interview with ANC’s Headstart.
“‘I have 100 percent support for you but because of my endorsements, I cannot come out in the usual way’,” he said, quoting Kris’ message.
Aquino believes that Kris’ support and endorsement would be a big boost for his Senate bid despite controversies being faced by her cousin.
“I think Ate Kris’ support is definitely a big plus, anyone would be very happy to be supported by Ate Kris. Of course she is going through a lot of things, and I hope those things are resolved as fast as possible,” he said.
“But definitely it’s a plus, ask any candidate it would be a plus,” he added.
Aquino is seeking reelection to the Senate under the “Otso Diretso” opposition banner. Recent surveys showed that from the eight bets of Otso Diretso, only Aquino and former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas managed to enter the so-called Magic 12. Only 12 seats at the Senate are needed to be filled via the midterm elections on May 13.
The six other Otso Diretso candidates are Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano, human rights lawyer Chel Diokno, Marawi civic leader Samira Gutoc, election lawyer Romulo Macalintal, former Deputy Speaker Erin Tañada, and former Solicitor General Florin Hilbay.
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