Gov. Vi urges Batangueños to vote LP bets for ‘continuity’

BATANGAS CITY—Outgoing Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto has a final request to her constituents: Vote for the candidates of the ruling Liberal Party for the continuity of the administration’s successes.

Recto on Wednesday urged Batangueños to elect party mates Mar Roxas and Leni Robredo so they could continue and expand the programs President Benigno Aquino III had started, particularly the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

In a brief speech, she thanked at least 5,000 yellow-clad supporters inside the packed Batangas City Sports Complex for trusting her as the leader of the province.

The three-time governor received a rousing welcome in the home province of her husband reelectionist Sen. Ralph Recto.

“If I may, sa lahat ng aking experience, bakit ako ay nasa LP, isa lang ang hihingiin ko—ang continuity,” said the governor, who is seeking a congressional seat in Lipa City’s lone district in the upcoming elections.

“Alam natin na ang administration ngayon, kahit hindi perfect, nag-iwan ng isang matibay na foundation para sa serbisyo sa mga Pilipino,” she said.

Before Robredo was tapped to run for vice president, the 62-year-old governor and veteran actress earlier admitted getting an offer from LP to be Roxas’ running mate. The governor, however, said she wanted to continue serving in Batangas.

Recto in her speech said she hoped Batangueños would vote for Roxas and Robredo who both promised to continue the 4Ps which benefited millions of Filipinos.

“Si Secretary Mar na nangangako na ‘yung mga programa na pinakikinabangan, especially ang 4Ps, ay itutuloy ituloy na. Ang pinakakailangan dito ma-institutionalize, maging batas para kahit ibang administration, nandyan na ‘yan,” she said.

She also introduced Robredo as a “respectable woman” she admired for withstanding trials in life.

“Ipagyayabang ko na ang susunod na ipapakilala ko, hanga ako sa kanya at naniniwala akong magbibigay siya ng pulsong ina sa Pilipinas,” the governor said.

Before the campaign rally, which was also attended by President Benigno Aquino III, Robredo’s camp released a photo of Recto endorsing and raising the hand of the vice presidential aspirant. RC

Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos (second from left) urges her constituents to vote for Liberal Party candidates Mar Roxas (left) and Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo during the ruling coalition’s campaign sortie in the province on Wednesday. At right is her husband reelectionist Sen. Ralph Recto. NOY MORCOSO/INQUIRER.net

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