Former senator Bam Aquino. INQUIRER file photo
MANILA, Philippines — Former Senator Bam Aquino is setting aside his bid for a return to the Senate in 2022 to lead Vice President Leni Robredo’s presidential campaign.
The announcement was made on Aquino’s social media platforms after Robredo announced she would run for president next year.
READ: ‘Buong-buo ang loob ko’: Robredo to run for president in 2022
“Hiniling niya sa akin na maging kaniyang Campaign Manager sa kinakailangan ngunit napakahirap na laban na ito,” the former senator said.
(She asked me to be her campaign manager in this incredibly important but challenging campaign.)
“Bagkus mayroon nang paghahanda patungo sa ating pagkandidato bilang Senador muli, minarapat ko na isantabi ito para sa mas mahalagang laban para sa ating bayan,” he added.
(While I have prepared to become a senator again, I decided to set aside my bid for this more important battle for our country.)
Aquino pledged to do his utmost to ensure Robredo’s election.
“Ibubuhos po natin ang ating buong lakas, bitbit ang suporta at pagmamahal ng ating mga kababayan, upang ipanalo si VP Leni bilang Pangulo ng ating minamahal na bansa,” he said.
(We will give all our strength, together with the support and love of our countrymen, to push VP Leni to victory and for her to become the President of our beloved country.)
“Tulad ng kaniyang sinabi, lalaban tayo at magtatagumpay!” he added.
(Just like what she said, we will fight and we will win.)
In 2019, Aquino sought reelection in the Senate but failed to clinch a seat. He was earlier nominated to be part of the Liberal Party’s senatorial slate in next year’s polls.
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