Presidential candidate Vice President Leni Robredo got a big boost to her campaign after receiving endorsements from 21 out of 24 incumbent mayors in Northern Samar.
Northern Samar 1st District Rep. Paul Daza and former congressman Raul Daza were also in attendance during Robredo’s grand rally at the University of Eastern Philippines in Catarman, Northern Samar on Monday night, March 28.
Governor Edwin Ongchuan also attended the rally. The Dazas and Ongchuans are known political rivals.
That rally drew 73,000 kakampinks, according to local police. Heavy downpour did not stop thousands of Samareños from joining people’s rally called “Rayhak”.
The local executives endorsing Robredo are Allen Mayor Jose Arturo Suan, Biri Mayor Antonio Delos Reyes Jr., Bobon Mayor Clara Gremio, Capul Mayor Teresita Bandal, Catarman Mayor Francisco Rosales, Catubig Mayor Galahad Vicencio, Gamay Mayor Clarita Gomba, Laoang Mayor Harris Christopher Ongchuan, Lapinig Mayor Ma. Luisa Menzon, Las Navas Mayor Arlito Tan, Lavezares Edito Saludaga, and Lope de Vega Mayor Ana Palloc.
The tandem also received endorsement from Mapanas Mayor Francisco John Tejano, Mondragon Mayor Mario Madera, Pambujan Mayor Felipe Sosing, Rosario Mayor Gerardo Miranda, San Isidro Mayor Ferdinand Avila, San Jose Mayor Clarence Dato, San Roque Mayor Don Abalon, San Vicente Mayor Tito Luneza, and Silvino Lobos Mayor Leo Jarito.
Daza, a long-time Liberal Party ally, welcomed vice-presidential candidate Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan to his hometown.
READ: N. Samar rolls out red carpet for Leni
“Nagbigay po ng mga pondo sa Northern Samar, nagpapondo ng mga eskwelahan, nagpapondo ng mga patubig, nagbigay po ng medical assistance dito sa atin....Siya po ang magiging pangalawang lider natin sa Malacañang (He gave funds to Northern Samar, he funded schools, he funded water irrigation, he gave medical assistance to us...He will be our second official to Malacañang),” Daza told the jam-packed crowd.
Robredo has received a string of endorsements since last week, starting with the launch of the Robredo-Sara (RoSa) movement led by congressmen Jose Ma. Salceda and Rufus Rodriguez and Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Isabelle 'Beng' Climaco.
Former House Speaker and Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez also endorsed Robredo, bringing his Davao-based Partido Reforma into the fray.
Cavite Rep. Pidi Barzaga, president of the National Unity Party (NUP), also went against his party’s decision to endorse Robredo’s rival, former Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and announced his support of the Vice President.
Team Unity of Misamis Oriental also endorsed Robredo’s presidential bid.
Both Robredo and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte said they will stick with their respective running mates, though the Vice President said she’ll be ready to work with anyone if she wins in May.