Vice presidential candidate Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. INQUIRER PHOTO
Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. was likely the busiest candidate on Friday as he toured parts of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao all in one day on the final leg of his campaign for vice president. After sorties in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, he ended the day in Davao City saying he foresaw a clear victory in Monday’s elections.
Marcos leads in two of the three most credible surveys, but statistically is in a virtual tie with Rep. Leni Robredo in all three.
Early Friday, he kicked off his campaign in Bacoor City in the vote-rich province of Cavite. He was received warmly by the Revillas, and was endorsed by Rep. Lani Mercado-Revilla and Mayor Strike Revilla for the second highest position in the land.
Before noon, a private plane took Marcos to Tacloban City in Leyte, the hometown of his mother, the former First Lady Imelda Marcos. At the Tacloban Convention Center, his relatives—senatorial candidate Rep. Martin Romualdez and Tacloban Mayor Alfredo Romualdez—hosted a program for him.
In his speech to a crowd of thousands, the senator renewed his call to his supporters to protect their ballots amid reports of alleged cheating by the administration in favor of Robredo. He spoke of the alleged plan of the Liberal Party to make Robredo the vice president through cheating, so they could impeach front-runner Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte if he becomes president.
Marcos also said support for him means that the people are protesting against the present administration, and a vote for him meant progress, while a vote for the administration meant the continuity of the current government’s problems.
After his Visayas sortie, Marcos flew to Davao City for a campaign rally in Panabo City, located an hour away; the rally was later called off because of security concerns. He told reporters in a late-night media briefing that his camp had received a “security warning” which made them decide to call off the program and avoid unnecessary risks.
Clear victory
With more endorsements coming in by way of religious organizations, political parties and other influential political families, Marcos said he sees a clear victory in Monday’s polls.
Marcos made the announcement at the Seda Hotel in Davao City. He said that with the kind of support he has been getting from all over the country, he can see victory in the polls on Monday.
“I am elated by the recent endorsement of El Shaddai and other religious groups,” Marcos said. The Iglesia ni Cristo had earlier formally announced its support for Marcos and reports said even the Jesus is Lord Movement has thrown its support behind him.
Marcos has also been endorsed by various political groups such as the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats, National Unity Party (NUP) and the United Bohol Opposition, among many others.
Various transport groups such as the Pasang Masda, Fejodap, Liga ng Transportasyon at Operators ng Pilipinas (LTOP), and UV Express likewise endorsed his candidacy.
His campaign has noted that several influential political families have openly come out to endorse Marcos’ candidacy, including the Ynareses of Rizal, the Estradas of Manila, Gomez of San Juan, the Aguilar-Villars of Las Pinas, the Eusebios of Pasig, the Cojuangcos of Pangasinan, the Dys of Isabela, the Singsons of Ilocos Sur, the Remullas of Cavite, the Ortegas of La Union, the Teveses of Bacolod, and the Yaps of Tarlac, among others.
His campaign also pointed out that some Aquino administration party members have crossed party lines to support him. Their list includes Cebu Mayor Adelino Sitoy, Cebu Rep. Benhur Salimbungan, Bulacan Mayor Tito Santiago, Bacolod City Mayor Monico Fuentebella, Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rolando “Klarex” Uy, Borongan City Mayor Ma. Agnes Abunda, and Leyte Rep. Lucy Torres-Gomez, among others.
“This clamor will become even clearer on Monday when we post a unanimous victory for the people,” Marcos said.
