Presidential aspirants responded swiftly to the call of their rival Sen. Manny Pacquiao to set aside politics and united in helping victims of typhoon “Odette”.

Vice President Leni Robredo and Partido Lakas ng Masa bet Ka Leody de Guzman responded to Pacquiao’s appeal.

Typhoon Odette lashed huge areas in Mindanao and parts of Visayas sending thousands to flee their homes to escape its wrath.

Various local government units have appealed for food and other basic needs as temporary shelters continue to be crowded by typhoon victims.

Although not exactly responding to the appeal aired by Pacquiao on Thursday, Dec. 16, the UniTeam of former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte said they have tapped their network of volunteers to distribute relief goods to those affected by the supertyphoon.

“I appeal to my fellow candidates, VP Leni Robredo, Bongbong Marcos, Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso, Senator Ping Lacson, Ka Leody, that due to the devastation of typhoon Odette that we set aside all politics and join together all our resources to help our fellow Filipinos in Visayas and Mindanao,” Pacquiao said in a Twitter post.

“Joining you in this call, Sen. Manny,” said Robredo in her Twitter response.

Pacquiao answered: “Thank you VP Leni. Let’s begin coordinating our efforts we already prepared cargo planes so we can mobilize and respond quickly.” De Guzman cited Pacquiao’s efforts for being “timely”.

Aspirants to the 2022 national elections, particularly those seeking the presidency and vice presidency, have been making the rounds throughout the country clearly campaigning even before the campaign period could start.

Typhoon Odette’s presence momentarily put the campaign rounds to a halt.