Artists hold concerts for Bam Aquino, Hontiveros, Jun Magsaysay

Senatorial candidates (from left) Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV, former Akbayan Rep. Risa Hontiveros and former Sen. Ramon Magsaysay Jr.

DAVAO CITY, Philippines—Two groups that supported President Aquino’s presidential bid in 2010 are now holding a series of rock concerts throughout the country in a bid to endorse three Team PNoy senatorial bets.

The President’s cousin, Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV and former Akbayan Rep. Risa Hontiveros sang along with local artists during a concert held at the Rizal Park here on Tuesday night.

Former Sen. Ramon Magsaysay Jr., the third candidate being endorsed by the People Power Volunteers for Reform (PPVR) and the Yellow Ribbon Movement, was not present.

A similar concert where the President’s sister Kris Aquino made a personal appearance in support of the three was held in Batangas Wednesday. The first concert was held in Dagupan City on Monday night while a fourth is set for Thursday in Cebu City where actress Sharon Cuneta is expected to attend.

Actor Dingdong Dantes and Sen. Francis Pangilinan joined Aquino onstage at one point and took turns urging the audience to “make a difference” by letting their choices be heard on May 13.

Pangilinan also made a pitch for Magsaysay during an impassioned speech between the sets of Ebe Dancel and Parokya ni Edgar.

Before the concert, Aquino paid a visit to the headquarters of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, head of the religious sect “The Holy Name of Jesus, The Name Above Every Name” to seek the leader’s endorsement.

Aquino earlier said he had gained the endorsement of El Shaddai, another religious group led by Mike Velarde who released a list of his preferred senatorial candidates dubbed the “White Vote.”