The decision of former House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez to shift allegiance in the presidential race is a "game changer" for aspiring president Vice President Leni Robredo.
Former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV said this after Alvarez endorsed Robredo's presidential bid during a press conference in Tagum City, Davao del Norte on March 24.
Trillanes said the move will help Robredo gain more support in the Davao Region, which is her "weakest" point.
"yon sa Magdalo survey, Davao region ang weakest area ni VP Leni (According to the Magdalo survey, Davao region is VP Leni's weakest area). So, surely this defection is a game changer!” Trillanes said on Twitter.
Alvarez, who was once a critic of Robredo, declared the shift of support from Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson to Robredo as the latter is performing better in surveys.
Alvarez is Davao del Norte's 1st district representative and is the current president of Partido Reporma, which has been backing Lacson's candidacy until the unexpected turn of events on Thursday, March 24.
READ MORE: Robredo's presidency bid backed by ex-Speaker Alvarez, Partido Reporma
Trillanes, who is seeking another seat in the Senate, also said that the reconciliation between Alvarez and Robredo is the start of "healing and unity."
“Si Speaker Alvarez ay humingi ng tawad at pinatawad. Ganyan ang simula ng healing at unity (Speaker Alvarez apologized and was forgiven. That's how healing and unity start)," the lawmaker said.
During the endorsement in Tagum City, Alvarez apologized to the Vice President over his past criticisms against her. Robredo told Alvarez he does not need to say sorry, saying their disagreements are now a thing of the past.
READ MORE: 'I apologize, Ma'am': Alvarez apologizes to Robredo over past criticisms
Trillanes is among the senatorial candidates under Robredo's ticket.