Less than a month before Election Day, independent senatorial candidate Bam Aquino’s candidacy received numerous support from Panay Island local officials when he barnstormed the province recently.
Former senator Bam Aquino and Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas (Photo from Bam Aquino Media Bureau)
Among those who endorsed Aquino were Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas and his daughter, Raisa Treñas, who is currently seeking the city’s top post, as well as District 1 Rep. Janette Garin, Mayor Engr. Tatay Richard Garin of Miagao, mayoralty and vice mayoralty candidates Val Serag of San Joaquin and Renren Trespeces of Oton, respectively.
In Capiz, Mayors Dante Eslabon of Sigma, Matt Hachuela of Dumarao, and Nonong Barruela of Dao expressed their support for his candidacy.
Rep. Mike Gorriceta and his wife, congressional candidate Doc Kathy Gorriceta, and Mayor Dennis Superficial of Sta. Barbara of Iloilo District 2 also endorsed Aquino’s senatorial bid.
From District 3, he received the support of Rep. Nonoy Defensor, Board Members Jason Gonzales, Bingawan mayoralty candidate Matt Palabrica, and Amalia Debuque, Mayor Adi Lazaro, and the barangay chiefs of Pototan.
Several officials from District 4 also expressed their support for Aquino. This includes Rep. Ferj Biron and Mayors BP Biron of Barotac Nuevo and BJ Biron of Dumangas, while Rep. Boboy Tupas, Board Member Binky Tupas, and Mayor Bongbong Tupas of Barotac Viejo from District 5 also endorsed the former senator.
In Aklan, Aquino received endorsements from Rep. Lito Marquez, Mayor Dex Calixo of Balete, Vice Mayor Cynthia Dela Cruz of Kalibo, and Jess Marquez, who is running as representative of Kalibo 1st District.
In the 2019 senatorial elections, Aquino placed third in Aklan, Antique, and Iloilo, and fourth in Capiz and Guimaras.