MANILA, Philippines – Vice President Jejomar Binay’s sortie in Aurora took a brief comedic turn when the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA)  standard-bearer mistakenly addressed the crowd as residents of neighboring Quezon province.

“Ngayon, ako ay humaharap sa inyo at damang-dama ko ang kagustuhan na makita ko ang suporta niyo at para marinig ninyo [ako], mga kababayan ko, dito sa lalawigan ng Quezon,” Binay said in a speech at the Dipaculao ampitheater in Aurora on Wednesday, March 2.

(I am facing you today, feeling the strength of your support, and how much you want to listen to me, my countrymen, here in the province of Quezon). 

The Vice President held a two-day campaign in Quezon last week.

The crowd quickly pointed out the mistake of Binay, who immediately corrected himself and said, “Aurora nga pala (It’s Aurora).”

Aurora used to be part of Quezon province until it became a separate province in 1979, under Batas Pambansa Blg 7. The bordering towns of the two provinces – named after the late president Manuel L. Quezon and First Lady Aurora Aragon Quezon – are locked in a boundary dispute.

Three towns away from Dipaculao, where Binay gave his speech, is Dingalan, a third-class municipality which is being challenged by the Nakar municipal government in Quezon over the ownership of over 14,000 hectares of land.

Promise of experience, compassion

Despite his minor gaffe, the Vice President continued with his speech, promising residents he would use his experience, capability, and compassion to lift Filipinos out of poverty. (READ: Cinderella Man)

“Ipinapangako ko po sa inyo na ako ho ay mamumuno bilang pangulo ng ating bansa na dala-dala ang malawak na karanasan, bilang executive, bilang mayor, bilang vice president at magiging pangulo. Marunong ho akong magpalakad ng ating pamahalaan,” said Binay.

(I promise you that I will lead as a president with experience as an executive, mayor, and vice president. I know how to run the government.)

Reiterating his campaign promise to replicate what he did in the country’s premier financial district with the rest of the Philippines if he wins in the May polls, he said that unlike the rest of the country, Makati’s rich-poor gap did not widen further because of the social services that he initiated.

The Vice President also belied rumors that he will discontinue the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), adding that he would even expand it under his presidency. 

After his speech, residents scrambled to the opposition standard-bearer to shake his hand and have photos taken with him. (READ: Return of the ‘juggernaut?’ What Binay needs to do to win)

Binay was joined in Aurora by running mate Senator Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan II and their senatorial bets – Princess Jacel Kiram, Parañaque Councilor Alma Moreno, former Special Action Force commander Getulio Napeñas Jr, and broadcaster Rey Langit.

Apart from Dipaculao, the UNA candidates’ Aurora itinerary include Maria Aurora, San Luis, and Baler. – Rappler.com