LIBMANAN, Camarines Sur — Presidential aspirant Vice President Leni Robredo on Tuesday, Feb. 8, expressed support for the gubernatorial bid of former Camarines Sur Rep. Rolando “Nonoy” Andaya Jr.
In a speech during the mini-rally along Maharlika Hi-Way in this town, the Vice President referred to Andaya as the “next governor.”
“Bago po ako magpatuloy, ako ay nagbibigay-galang sa susunod na gobernador, Gov. Nonoy Andaya, ang atin pong Vice Governor, Vice Governor JJ Pilapil (Before I continue, I give respect to our next governor, Gov. Nonoy Andaya, and our vice governor, Vice Governor JJ Pilapil),” she said.
Early last year, Andaya claimed that Robredo will run for governor of Camarines Sur, a move he said he will support together with Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio as president.
The Vice President, later on, admitted that she had planned for a gubernatorial bid in her hometown before announcing her presidential bid on Oct. 7.
Andaya is running against Luigi Villafuerte, Imelda Papin, Richard Cabal, and Ireneo Bongat Jr.
He earlier backed Robredo, who beat the Villafuerte matriarch in 2013, by saying that he has 19 CamSur mayors for the Vice President.
This was after a report that said some mayors—who are allied with the Villafuertes—in the province are supporting Robredo’s rival, former Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr., instead.
READ: CamSur mayor speaks out; denies backing Marcos presidency
In her speech, the aspiring president once more rallied her supporters to vote for her and the rest of the ticket.
“Kaya po ako, ipinapakiusap ko hindi lang ang aking sarili, pero ipinapakiusap ko ang aking mga kasamahan, si Vice President Kiko Pangilinan, hinihingi ko po ang inyong tulong (That’s why I am not only asking help for myself but I am also asking help for my colleagues, for Vice President Kiko Pangilinan, I am asking for your help),” she said.
“Sa atin pong mga kasamahan sa senado, narito na sila dito kanina. Nakita niyo na po. Ihihingi ko po sa inyo ng tulong dahil kahit tulungan niyo po ako pero hindi niyo tutulungan ang ating mga kasamahan, mahihirapan din lang po ako (For our colleagues in the Senate, they are here earlier. You saw them. I am asking help from you because even if you help me but don’t help our colleagues, it will be hard for me),” Robredo added.
Together with Pangilinan and her senatorial bets, Robredo’s team did a whistle stop style in campaigning earlier to follow COVID-19 safety protocols.
READ: Team Leni-Kiko gets creative, adopts stop-and-go style for campaign
They stood atop vehicles and took turns addressing the crowd.
Their next stop will be at the St. Claire Parish Church in Tigaon, Camarines Sur. Later, a grand rally will be held at Plaza Quezon in Naga City.