Lively spirits lift Team PNoy in Dumaguete

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines – Macias Sports Complex was filled with yellow soldiers, dotted with orange and blue on the side as the supporters of Team PNoy showed their support on Tuesday, February 19.

By 1 pm, senatorial candidates Jamby Madrigal and Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV arrived at the venue and started charming the crowd. But it was not until 2 pm that the proclamation rally officially started. It was hosted by Glenna Christina Duch, Ms Earth Philippines 1^st runner-up.

Super proxies

Due to the heavy rains brought by tropical depression Crising, President Benigno Aquino III was unable to join the sortie. That did not, however, dampen the spirits of the supporters as 3 of the senatorial candidates of Team PNoy charmed the crowd.

Along with the proxies of Sen Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III and Rep Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, they presented their different advocacies. Former censors chief Grace Poe emphasized the standard lunch program and job matching, while Bam Aquino stressed the importance of earning for the family and the community through social entrepreneurship.

Gwen Pimentel spoke in behalf of her brother Koko, underlining his view on politics in relation to his non-candidacy in the 2010 elections. “He wanted to take a stand. He believes in politics with principle,” she said.

The various platforms were presented in accordance with the slogan, “Mga Tulay na Matuwid sa Daang Matuwid.” (Upright bridges on the straight path.)

‘Tulungan natin si PNoy’

Allan Gel Cordova, mayoral candidate in Dumaguete, said, “Sa daang matuwid, ang kurakot mutuwad (The corrupt will fall in the straight path).”

Team PNoy candidates said they support the Local Government Code, seek reforms in the internal budget, and promote educational reforms.

Campaign manager Sen Franklin Drilon cited achievements of the current administration and emphasized the need for a majority in the Senate to help the President in implementing the reforms [he] started. “Kailangan niya po ng katuwang sa Senado,” Drilon said. (He needs support in the Senate.) 

Mabuting Pilipino

Noel Cabangon graced the rally and sang two songs, “Pagbabago” and “Mabuting Pilipino.” On his second song, he asked the audience and the candidates to stand up, sing along, and pledge to be a good Filipino.

Gubernatorial candidate Josielyn Limkaichong endorsed the provincial and local slate of the Liberal Party then proceeded to call on a unity stand. Before ending the rally, Limkaichong said the President will arrange for a visit to Dumaguete. – Rappler.com
 

Therene Quijano is one of Rappler’s Movers from Dumaguete. Follow her on Twitter @itsTherene. You can also be a Rappler Mover in the coming elections. Email move.ph@rappler.com and let us know.