MANILA, Philippines — Former Cabinet members, senior government officials, career officials and diplomats who had served during the late President Benigno Aquino III’s term have expressed their support for Vice President Leni Robredo’s bid for the presidency, and called on the Filipino people to give the country “the leader we all deserve.”
In a joint statement, the 30 officials also promised to “commit [themselves] fully” to Robredo’s campaign to “lead the Philippines on an upward path of recovery and greatness.”
“We believe that in the May 2022 elections, the Filipino people will make a choice that will shape our future and that of future generations,” they said in a statement.
“We share our people’s aspirations for a government led by a president who is competent, experienced and committed to the principles of integrity, democracy and genuine public service,” they added.
The Aquino officials are the second group of presidents’ men who have endorsed Robredo for the presidency.
Earlier this month, former President Fidel Ramos’ former Cabinet secretaries also expressed their support for the Vice President, saying she exemplified many of the leadership qualities they once saw in the former military general-turned-chief executive.
Meanwhile, President Rodrigo Duterte’s spiritual adviser, who is indicted for sex trafficking charges in the United States, on Tuesday endorsed presidential candidate Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his running mate Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte.
Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, head of the homegrown Christian sect Kingdom of Jesus Christ, the Name Above Every Name, made the endorsement after he prayed over Duterte during the kickoff ceremony for the mayor’s “Mahalin Natin Ang Pilipinas Ride,” a motorbike caravan from Davao City to various parts of Luzon.
“A lot of people are asking, which candidates the Kingdom of Jesus Christ will support. I said, ‘Let’s wait for the right time.’ Now is the time to express my support. One hundred percent, I am supporting UniTeam,” Quiboloy said during the sendoff ceremony.
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