UniTeam senatorial bets trace Ilocano roots to woo voters in Ilocandia

The senatorial candidates under the UniTeam wave Philippine flags while the martial law anthem “Bagong Lipunan” is played at the end of their grand election rally in the home province of presidential candidate Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday, Feb. 16. ( Photo by John Michael Mugas)

LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte—The senatorial lineup of the UniTeam tried to woo voters in the home turf of presidential candidate Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday (Feb. 16), banking on a common theme: expressing gratitude to the Marcoses and tracing their Ilocano roots.

Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro gave a speech in Ilocano as he promoted the vision of the former strongman Ferdinand Marcos Sr.’s vision of “new society.” Teodoro, who hails from Tarlac province, committed to promote development down to the grassroots level.

Jinggoy Estrada also noted his family’s connection to the Marcoses, saying that his father, then-Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, stayed loyal to the late dictator during the time when he was ousted from power in 1986.

Herbert Bautista also said that he owed the beginning of his political career to the Kabataang Barangay (KB), which was established during the martial law years. KB was considered a political network of Marcos Sr.’s eldest daughter, Sen. Imee Marcos, which was a primary body that allowed the youth to engage in public affairs.

Loren Legarda, who vowed for the “full and effective implementation of the Universal Health Care Law,” said growing up she was guided by an Ilocana who taught her the Ilocano traits of being loving, frugal, and hardworking.

Sherwin Gatchalian, who promised to improve the country’s education system, said that he is half-Ilocano as his mother is a native of Cagayan province.

Other Senate candidates who were present during the grand rally in Ilocos Norte were Harry Roque, Miguel Zubiri, Larry Gadon, and Mark Villar.

Villar also traced his connection to the province through his wife, Department of Justice’s Undersecretary Emmeline Aglipay-Villar, who is from Batac City, the hometown of Marcos.

A former secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways, Villar said both Marcos Sr. and President Rodrigo Duterte had prioritized major infrastructure projects to boost the country’s economy.

Rodante Marcoleta and Gringo Honasan, also running as senators under the slate, were not seen in Paoay.

The UniTeam has 11 senatorial candidates, but vice presidential candidate Sara Duterte-Carpio, in a short speech at the grand rally, said that actor Robin Padilla completed their 12-person lineup.

This, however, caused confusion when Marcos Jr., during his own speech, said Padilla is “not technically” a part of the UniTeam.

“He (Padilla) is not in the 12, but he’s part of the team,” said Marcos Jr. during an ambush interview after the grand rally.

Even Padilla, who was granted absolute pardon by President Duterte over an illegal possession of firearms conviction, was confused when he talked to reporters during an ambush interview.

READ: Robin Padilla gets absolute pardon from Duterte

“Hindi ko po alam kung confirmed po yun. Wala pa pong pormal, kasi yung sa amin ni ma’am Sara, talagang ako ay nasa ilalim niya,” he said.

Marcos’ national campaign manager, Benhur Abalos, said he would clarify the statements of his candidates.

“We still have to check that. You heard what [Marcos Jr.] said. He’s a friend, that’s what he said. So we just take it from his speech from a while ago,” Abalos told reporters after the rally.

Even amid the confusion, Padilla pitched during his speech the need to have a Muslim representation in the Senate. He added that Marcos Sr. and Duterte have made the Tripoli agreement and the Bangsamoro Organic Law, respectively, possible.

JPV