Duterte backs Palayan City mayor in Nueva Ecija gubernatorial race

Palayan City Mayor Adrianne Mae Cuevas (second from right) discusses ways to help farmers skirt middlemen with agriculture technicians at a crop storage facility built by the city government for farmers. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday endorsed the bid for Nueva Ecija governor of Palayan City Mayor Adrianne Mae Cuevas.

This is the first time that Duterte has endorsed a candidate for a local position as the national and local elections near.

“As President I endorse the candidacy of Adrianne Mae Cuevas, running as governor of Nueva Ecija. I trust that her vision for the improved welfare of the constituency will have the government realize the mandate to serve the people with excellence and passion,” said Duterte.

“May the upcoming elections become an opportunity for us to elect leaders that will chart our path towards progress and prosperity. Vote for Rianne Cuevas,” he added.

Cuevas then expressed her gratitude to Duterte and promised that she will continue his anti-drug, anti-poverty and anti-corruption programs in the province, if elected.

Cuevas is the national treasurer of the Cusi-led and Duterte-allied Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan faction. She is running with former vice governor Edward Thomas Joson against the tandem of incumbent Governor Aurelio Umali and his brother, incumbent Vice Governor Anthony Umali.

Meanwhile, Cuevas’ 25-year-old daughter Vianne Cuevas, is eyeing to replace her as Palayan City mayor in the coming elections.

RELATED STORIES:

Duterte endorses Chiz Escudero’s bid for a Senate comeback

Duterte endorses Legarda: ‘Loren deserves to be back in the Senate’ 

Duterte endorsement is ‘gold,’ but Lacson-Sotto tandem won’t rely on it

/MUF