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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Despite cancelled trips, 'threats', 60K supporters, local officials turn up for Robredo-Pangilinan tandem in Pangasinan

Despite cancelled trips, 'threats', 60K supporters, local officials turn up for Robredo-Pangilinan tandem in Pangasinan

Published Apr 8, 2022 11:18 pm

In an attempt to break the so-called solid North in Pangasinan, Vice President Leni Robredo, Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan, and their slate received warm support despite "threats" and transportation issues.

'MODERN URDUJA'—Vice President Robredo was given a cultural-like entrance at the Talindëg Pangasinan Dagupan Grand Rally on Friday night, April 8. She was called by the local supporters as the modern Princess Urduja. (Photo courtesy of VP Leni Media Bureau)

More than 60,000 supporters went out to rally behind Robredo and her slate at the Talindëg Pangasinan Dagupan Grand Rally on Friday night, April 8.

The huge crowd was then complemented by several local officials who turned up to welcome and raise Robredo and Pangilinan's hands before the Dagupan crowd, openly showing their support for the pair.

Recognizing the gravity of the support and warm welcome she was getting in a province where she dramatically lost in 2016, Robredo could not help but express gratitude for the crowd, who earlier faced transportation issues, and for the local officials, who spoke of support despite "threats."

"Ngayong mga panahon na 'to, maraming mga local officials ang nahihirapan na openly i-endorse tayo dahil merong mga pagkatakot (Many local officials are now having a hard time to openly endorse us due to threats)," Robredo said as she took the center stage at the grand rally.

"Kaya po ako sobra kong naa-appreciate yung mga local officials na tumindig para sa atin ngayong gabi, lalaong lalo na po dahil nasa Pangasinan sila. Doble ang lakas na kanilang pinamalas (This is why I deeply appreciate the local officials who stood up for us tonight, especially they are in Pangasinan. They have shown so much strength)," Robredo added.

(Photo courtesy of VP Leni Media Bureau)

Among the local officials who showed up at Robredo's rally were Mayor Joseph Balzon, Mayor Leo de Vera, Mayor Kenneth Perez, Mayor Sammy Rosario and several vice mayors and councilors in the province.

Former House Speaker Jose de Venecia, former Rep. Gina de Venecia, and Deputy Majority Leader Rep. Christopher de Venecia also joined Robredo at the grand rally and raised her hands to show support for her presidential bid. The presidential aspirant was also endorsed by Bani Mayor Cothera Gwen Palafox-Yamamoto in a mini rally held earlier.

Robredo also took the time to have an interaction with her supporters during her speech at the rally.

She told them she was informed Friday morning about the situation of commuters whose bus trips were cancelled ahead of the grand rally.

"Sino sa inyo yung nawalan ng bus na sasakyan (Who among you had their bus trips cancelled?" Robredo asked the crowd.

The aspiring president stressed that despite the incident, they were still able to fill the venue which already had 60,000 attendees at 7 p.m., according to local police.

(Photo courtesy of VP Leni Media Bureau)

"Gustong sabihin, desidong desido, kahit nahihirapan, nandito pa din. Ito po yung tunay na pagmamahal sa bayan, na kahit nahihirapan sige pa din (This only shows that we are determined that despite the struggles, we are still here. This is what genuine love for the country is all about)," she said.

"Abonado na kayo, nawalan pa kayo ng sasakyan, ilang oras na kayo nakatayo. Gutom, pagod, abonado pero bakit kayo nagtatiyaga (You have spent your own money, your trips got cancelled, you've been standing up for hours now. Hungry, tired, spent your own money, yet you still exert so much effort)?"

"Dahil sa pag-asa... Dahil umaasa kayo na 'pag magkakasama sa laban na 'to baka naman yung kinabukasan ninyo, mapapangalagaan na natin (Because of hope. Because you are hoping that when we are together in this fight, maybe our future will finally be taken care of this time)," Robredo went on.

Robredo said towards the end of her speech that despite people telling her that she won't get votes in Pangasinan, she remains optimistic, especially with the kind of support she is now getting there.

The opposition leader only secured over 200,000 votes in 2016 against her rival Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos' more than 800,000 votes.

Pangasinan is among the provinces considered as part of the solid North, a known bailiwick of Marcos.

READ MORE: Robredo optimistic she can sustain momentum towards May polls

Related Tags

40822 Talindëg Pangasinan Dagupan Grand Rally VP Leni Robredo pangasinan SENATOR FRANCIS KIKO PANGILINAN
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