President Rodrigo Duterte has endorsed the senatorial bid of former Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito.
Ejercito is running under the senatorial tickets of presidential candidate Sen. Panfilo Lacson and Sen. Manny Pacquiao.
In a video message released by the former lawmaker’s office on Wednesday, Duterte descirbed Ejercito as a “friend and partner of this administration.”
“I endorse JV Ejercito as he runs for the Senate in the upcoming elections. JV Ejercito has always been a friend and a partner of this administration in pushing for advocacies that advance our development agenda, especially for the poor,” Duterte said.
“I know that he has always served our country and people with diligence and hard work. I hope that you’ll give him another chance to serve you. Good luck JV at mabuhay ka!” the President further said.
Ejercito, who has helped ensure the passage of the Universal Healthcare (UHC) Act and the law creating the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), has vowed to pursue the implementation of the UHC law and the promotionof mass transit and infrastructure development should he win a fresh term in the Senate in the upcoming May 2022 elections.
Ejercito said he was “honored and flattered” to hear the President endorsing his senatorial campaign.
“Thank you, President Duterte, for your kind words as we campaign for a comeback in the Senate. I am honored and flattered. We will remain true to our promise to continue pushing for better healthcare and better infrastructure development in the country,” the senatorial candidate said.
“Marami pa po tayong dapat gawin. Marami pa po tayong good na gagawin. Sama-sama po nating ibalik ang good sa Senado. Hindi po ito magiging madali, pero sa ating pagkakaisa, wala pong imposible (We still have a lot of things to do. A lot of good things to do. Let’s all unite to bring back the good in the Senate. It’s not going to be easy, but if we’re united, nothing is impossible),” he stressed.