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MANILA, Philippines — Red and green flooded the Philippine Arena in Bulacan on Tuesday as the tandem of Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Sara Duterte-Carpio kicked off their presidential and vice-presidential campaign for the May 9 elections.
According to the camp of Marcos Jr., at least 25,000 supporters flocked at the Philippine Arena, dubbed as the world’s largest indoor stadium.
Atty. Vic Rodriguez, spokesperson of Marcos Jr., assured that minimum public health protocols would be observed during the launch.
The tandem is also set to formally introduce their senatorial slate during their proclamation activity.
Rodriguez said all of their 11 senatorial bets would be present for the event. The tandem’s senatorial slate currently includes Juan Miguel Zubiri, Sherwin Gatchalian, Rodante Marcoleta, Larry Gadon, Loren Legarda, Jinggoy Estrada, Mark Villar, Harry Roque, Gilbert Teodoro, Herbert Bautista, and Gringo Honasan.
Rodriguez said Marcos Jr. and Duterte-Carpio are planning to complete their senatorial list and may announce the candidate for the 12th spot in the coming days.
The choice of venue, the Philippine Arena, also raised speculations that Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) would endorse Marcos Jr. and Duterte-Carpio. INC owns the Philippine Arena.
Rodriguez, however, denied this.
READ: INC endorsing UniTeam? Philippine Arena ‘just a venue’, says Marcos spox
“You’re reading too much between the lines. We have not said anything close to that. Ito ay venue lamang,” Rodriguez told reporters.
“Kaya namin ito napili sapagkat ito ang pinakamalaki at maaaring mag-accommodate sa libu-libo naming mga supporters and followers,” he added.
INC backed the 2016 vice presidential bid of Marcos Jr., who eventually lost to incumbent Vice President Leni Robredo. It also backed President Rodrigo Duterte, the father of Duterte-Carpio.
Based on the most recent Pulse Asia survey released in December 2021, Marcos Jr. and Duterte-Carpio lead the presidential and vice presidential race, respectively.
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