President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. meets and shakes hands with former VP Leni Robredo and ex-Senator Bam Aquino prior to the inauguration ceremony of the Sorsogon Sports Arena on Thursday, October 17, 2024. | SCREENGRAB FROM MPC POOL VIDEO
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. met with former Vice President Leni Robredo and former Sen. Bam Aquino before the inauguration ceremony of the Sorsogon Sports Arena on Thursday.
Marcos shook hands with Robredo and Aquino, but no details have emerged on whether they discussed anything.
Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero invited Robredo to welcome Marcos in the province, according to Press Secretary Cesar Chavez.
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“I invited her (Leni) to welcome the president on behalf of Bicol,” said Escudero, whose home province is Sorsogon, as quoted by Chavez in a message to reporters.
This was the first time that Marcos and Robredo were seen in public together since the 2022 election.
They were rivals for the presidency in that election, where Robredo lost to Marcos.
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Nearly three years after her last election run, Robredo is eyeing a return to government service after filing a certificate of candidacy (COC) for mayor of Naga City last October 5.
Meanwhile, Aquino also filed his COC as senatorial reelectionist last October 7.
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Situated in Barangay Balogo, Sorsogon City, the sports arena is part of the 7.1-hectare Sorsogon Sports Complex, which began construction in 2018.
With a 15,000 to 20,000 seating capacity, the arena is now ready to host local, national, and international events.
Moreover, the arena also features a three-story sports facility built to accommodate athletes, staff, and spectators.