UNA troika endorses slate in new ad

Ayee Macaraig

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The opposition’s troika opens the campaign period by endorsing their senatorial candidates not just on the ground but in the airwaves as well

Screenshot of UNA senatorial slate ad that began airing January 7

CEBU, Philippines – The opposition’s troika opened the campaign period by endorsing their senatorial candidates not just on the ground but in the airwaves as well.

The United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) launched a new ad featuring Vice President Jejomar Binay, former President Joseph Estrada and Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile.

UNA gave the media a preview of the ad on Tuesday, February 12, the start of the campaign period for national candidates. It is also expected to air on the same day.

The ad is exactly the same as UNA’s first slate commercial, except for the presence of the 3 at the start. UNA began airing its first ad on January 7, ahead of the administration Team PNoy slate.

UNA unveils new ad featuring the triumvirate Jejomar Binay, Joseph Estrada and Juan Ponce Enrile. Photo taken by Ayee Macaraig

It opens with Estrada saying, “Sa aking pag-iikot, kitang-kita ko ang paghihirap ng masang Pilipino. Maraming walang trabaho. Presyo ng bilihin, pataas nang pataas.” (When I go around, I really see the suffering of the Filipino masses. Many are jobless. The price of goods keep going up.)

Binay then follows. “Para tapusin natin ang problema ng kahirapan, magsama-sama tayo at magtulungan. Iboto natin ang mga pambato ng UNA.” (To solve the problem of poverty, let us unite and help each other. Let us vote the candidates of UNA.)

Dala namin ang magagandang plano at programa para sa ikabubuti ng bayan. Sa UNA, gaganda ang buhay.” (We carry good plans and programs for the upliftment of the country. In UNA, life will be better.)

Enrile’s short spiel goes, “Sa UNA, happy kayo!” (In UNA, you’re happy!)

UNA campaign manager and Navotas Rep Tobias “Toby” Tiangco said the appearance of UNA’s executive committee is crucial for its senatorial candidates.

“If they (Team PNoy) have the endorsement of the President, we have our 3.”

In the administration’s first slate ad, President Benigno Aquino III did a voiceover to endorse his candidates.

Tiangco said the endorsement from the UNA trio is formidable.

“That’s a very strong endorsement because VP Binay has the highest trust rating, President Estrada has a very high trust rating, si Senate President Enrile has a high trust rating so when you combine that, it’s a big boost for our candidates,” he said.

UNA has been capitalizing on its top 3 leaders. In its sorties, a huge photo of Binay, Estrada and Enrile is seen onstage, even looming larger than the photos of its senatorial candidates.

JPE drop not a problem

Tiangco said the 27 percentage point drop in the ratings of Enrile does not bother UNA. The alliance’s secretary-general said Enrile will soon recover.

Analysts have linked the drop in Enrile’s number to the Senate fund controversy, where Enrile excluded his critics from receiving additional funds.

Tiangco said the controversy will not affect the elections.

“I don’t think so. At the end of the day, the question of people is how you will improve our lives. That’s why our candidates have already laid down what their plans and advocacies are to improve people’s lives.”

Tiangco added that UNA’s messaging is consistent, reflecting the catchphrases of the leaders in past elections.

“You will see the keywords. With VP Binay, gaganda ang buhay. Then Erap para sa mahirap (Erap for the poor), for Senate President Enrile, happy ka (You’re happy).” 

He said the slogans are important because these are the brands people associate UNA’s leadership with. – Rappler.com

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