CEBU CITY – He may be lagging in surveys but retired Col. Ariel Querubin is liking what he’s seeing with his senatorial bid.
SENATORIAL bet retired Col. Ariel Querubin answers questions from the media during a press conference in Cebu City on Monday, Jan. 20. (Calvin Cordova)
Querubin was particularly happy with the support that he’s getting from the vote-rich Cebu.
“Our awareness here in Cebu has increased. It warms my heart to receive such acceptance from the Cebuano people,” said the retired Philippines Marine Corps officer in a press conference on Monday, Jan. 20.
In recent surveys, the Medal of Valor awardee is out of the Top 12 senatorial candidates.
Querubin expressed confidence that his rating would further improve as the May elections draw near.
I believe in surveys and I am not discouraged at all with my supposed ranking in those surveys. What’s important is the trajectory, which shows I'm going up, Querubin said.
Querubin attended the Sinulog Festival celebration on Sunday, Jan. 19. Unlike some politicians who were booed when their names were announced at the Cebu City Sports Center, Querubin received a warm welcome from spectators.
It is the second time that Querubin is running for senator.
Querubin said his first crack at the Senate was different as he was detained at the time and failed to launch a full-blown campaign.
He disclosed that he finally decided to run again after he received a manifesto of support in July 2024.
Querubin said the manifesto garnered over 2,000 signatures, primarily from generals and senior military officers, including 25 four-star generals.
"They stated, 'We stand united with you to fight corruption, uplift the living conditions of the poor, and protect our sovereignty. We see you as someone who can unite the Filipino people, so we hope you will take up the challenge and leave your comfort zone,'" Querubin said.
Querubin added that his key political platform, known as "Bet Ko," encompasses several priorities:
- "B" for "Bigas at Busog na Tiyan" (Rice and Full Stomachs) aimed at boosting national rice production and promoting food security
- "E" for Education security featuring scholarships for eldest siblings in Filipino families.
- "T" for "Trabaho at Sapat na Kita" (Jobs and Sufficient Income) promoting job opportunities and livelihood for Filipino households
- "KO" for “Korupsyon” which represents his anti-corruption stance, including plans to automate all government transactions, particularly in the Bureau of Customs, to eliminate corruption.
While Querubin appreciates support from local officials, he emphasized that he is strengthening his connections with grassroots voters.
“I am running under the Nacionalista Party but I remain independent from all these political slates. Not really independent because my party is still supporting me, but I have the freedom to cut across the political divide,” he said.