Fiesta-like atmosphere in Capiz as Roxas, Robredo start campaign

ROXAS CITY, Capiz—The Liberal Party kicked off on Tuesday its campaign for the 2016 general elections in the hometown of its standard-bearer Manuel “Mar” Roxas II.

Roxas and Robredo, who separately arrived at the gym, were mobbed by screaming supporters as soon as they got out of their vehicles.

READ: Roxas-Robredo tandem: Together but separate

Roxas’ wife Korina Sanchez, mother Judy Araneta and son Paolo were also in attendance.

Before the tandem came, senatorial candidates of the “Daang Matuwid” coalition arrived one by one except former Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) director Joel Villanueva, who had his own proclamation rally at the Amoranto Stadium in Quezon City.

Yellow-clad supporters filled 6,000 seats of Capiz Gymnasium in Roxas City. They brought with them tarpaulins with messages of support for the administration candidates.

Singers Jett Pangan, Frenchie Dy, and Jonalyn Viray entertained the audience as they waited for Roxas, Robredo and the LP senatorial candidates to enter the stadium.

Members of the local police and Special Action Force were deployed to secure the event.

Security was tight in and out of the venue. Supporters and members of the media had difficulty entering the gymnasium.

READ: Why a woman in Roxas’ turf can’t vote freely

Guards carefully inspected the belongings of the supporters. They were also discouraged to wear jackets and caps. The placards they brought were also screened by the security.

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