MANILA, Philippines – In the crucial last days of the election season, presidential candidate Vice President Leni Robredo found support from local politicians in vote-rich Laguna. 

During her jam-packed people’s rally in Sta. Rosa, Laguna on April 29, Laguna 3rd District Representative Sol Aragones, who is running for governor, appeared on stage to declare her support for Robredo.

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The former broadcast journalist, who is on her last term as congresswoman, has close ties with Robredo forged during the 16th Congress, when both of them were neophyte lawmakers.

“Malalim na ang ating pagkakaibigan. At sa pinakamahirap na punto ng ating buhay at ng ating laban, gusto kong malaman mo, gusto ko pong malaman ninyo, nandito ang iyong kaibigan, hindi kita pababayaan…. Ang aking dasal sa bawat gabi, sana sabay nating matawid ang laban na ito,” Aragones told Robredo, referring to their respective electoral bids.

(We have a strong friendship. And in the hardest point of our lives and of our fight, I’m letting you know, I’m letting everyone know that your friend is here – I will never let you down. My prayer. My prayer every night, may we both succeed in this fight.)

“Sana sa Mayo 9, sabay nating pagtagumpayan ang laban nating ito. At sana, Pilipinas, Laguna, sa Mayo 9, sana babae naman, President Leni Robredo (I hope on May 9, may we both succeed in this battle. And I hope in the Philippines, in Laguna, on May 9, women will succeed),” Aragones added

Aragones is challenging Governor Ramil Hernandez, who endorsed Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Before Aragones took the stage, Laguna 1st District Representative Dan Fernandez, who is running for reelection, went on stage to support Robredo’s presidential bid.

Fernandez is a member of the National Unity Party, which endorsed Marcos Jr. 

“Madam Vice President, I will make a bold prediction. Pakinggan ‘nyo ito(Listen to this)…. What has been done will be done again. Nothing changed under the sun,” Fernandez said in his speech.

“Kung noong 2016 vice presidential election, ang Leni Robredo lamang sa eleksyon, sa 2022 presidential election, ang Leni Robredo lamang sa 2022 (In 2016 vice presidential election, Leni Robredo won the election, in 2022 presidential election, Leni Robredo will will again),” the lawmaker added. 

Aside from the lawmakers, other Laguna politicians were also present in the rally to show support to Robredo. They were former Laguna governor Joey Lina, former San Pedro mayor Calix Cataquiz, San Pablo City mayoralty candidate Vicente Amante, and former Rizal, Laguna Mayor Rolen Urriquia. – Rappler.com