All 2022 bets can freely campaign in Sorsogon, says Escudero

Former Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Any presidential candidate and all contenders for national posts in the May 9 elections are welcome to hold campaign activities in Sorsogon, unlike other localities or provinces that are supposedly off-limits to certain candidates, Gov. Francis Escudero said Friday.

“Ginagarantiya ko na hindi ko sasaraduhan ang aming probinsya tulad ng ibang mga lugar na hindi pwede magpunta, at pinapatayan ng kuryente yung mga rallies,” Escudero said in a statement Friday.

(I assure you that I will not close our province unlike other areas which are off limits, even shutting off power during rallies.)

Escudero, who is seeking a return to the Senate, assured all political parties that they “can freely” campaign in Sorsogon.

“Part of my commitment to my constituents is to afford them as many opportunities as possible to meet the candidates, not only to see them and to know them but more importantly to empower and enable the Sorsoganons to decide for themselves who to support and vote for in the coming elections,” he said in a statement.

“Dahil hindi pa naman tapos ang aking termino, bahagi rin naman ng aking tungkulin at obligasyon ay tumanggap, mag-host, mag-alay ng tulong kung kinakailangan at ipakita ang hospitality naming mga Sorsoganon sa sino mang bibisita o dadalaw dito sa amin,” he added.

(Because my term is not yet finished, part of my duty and obligation is to welcome, host, assist if needed, and show the hospitality of Sorsoganons to whoever visits us.)

In the 2019 polls, the Commission on Elections data showed the province had 493,116 registered voters.

“Tinitiyak ko sa lahat ng mga kandidato na malaya silang makakapaglibot dito sa Sorsogon [I assure the candidates that they can freely tour around Sorsogon],” the governor said.

“Mas nais kong bukas ang aming lalawigan para makita at makilala ng aking mga kababayan lahat ng tumatakbo sa pagkapangulo para sila rin ang makapili ng may nalalaman at may basehan,” he added.

(I want our province to be open so that residents here can see and know about the presidential candidates so that they can vote with basis.)

Among the candidates who have already held campaign activities in Sorsogon include vice presidential candidate Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio and the tandem of presidential candidate Vice President Leni Robredo and Senator Francis Pangilinan.

Escudero said he is prepared to host the ticket of Senator Panfilo Lacson and Senate President Vicente Sotto III, the tandem of Senator Manny Pacquiao and House Deputy Speaker Lito Atienza, as well as other presidential and vice-presidential candidates if they signify their intention to campaign in the province.

Escudero is among the guest senatorial candidates of Robredo, Lacson and Pacquiao.

EDV