CEBU CITY -- Senatoriable Herbert Bautista believed that Kris Aquino’s remark not to vote for her “ex” has given some boost to his campaign.
Although no name was mentioned, it was obvious that Kris Aquino was referring to Bautista when she told the crowd in a campaign sortie not to vote for her "ex."
“O, ‘wag niyo iboto ‘yon ah, Sayang ang boto dahil hindi marunong tumupad sa mga pinangako. Dedma please!” Kris said then during March 23 campaign sortie of Vice President Leni Robredo and her running mate Sen. Kiko Pangilinan in Tarlac province.
In a press conference on Sunday, Bautista said his former girlfriend’s remark may have helped him in his campaign.
“It was assumed by the media that it was me. But for me, her statement helped me even more. It resulted in additional awareness,” said Bautista.
Bautista admitted that some people remained unaware that he is actually running for senator and Aquino’s statement may have worked in his favor.
Bautista, who is one of the senatoriables running under the Uniteam ticket of Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, said he continues to get support even after Aquino’s statement.
Bautista shared that in one of their campaign sorties in Bukidnon, people were shouting “wag kang magalala, iboboto ka pa rin namin, ex! ex! (don’t worry, we will still vote for you, ex! ex!).”
Bautista also shrugged off the latest Pulse Asia survey that saw him fall out of the Top 12.
“From the beginning, it is already a challenge," he said, referring to his candidacy.
"I started at 37, then 27. In the previous survey, I was at 10-12 then now 11-14. But if you look at the number since December, the increase is consistent at five percent,” said Bautista.
The former Quezon City mayor insisted he is not discouraged by the recent survey result, saying it is still the public who will have the final say.
“Surveys are just guide kung nasaan ka na (to know where you stand). This is a campaign that is a hit and miss thing, no actual guidance,” said Bautista.
Bautista said he has been enjoying his first foray for a national post.
“It’s my first time running for a national office. Ganito pala ang feeling "so this is how it feels), excited, just going through the motion of campaigning. It’s the journey, the experience of running for public office, discovering new ideas, finding out pressing needs by talking to the people,” said Bautista.