Mar-Leni in Cebu: Painting the town yellow

In 2010, Liberal Party standard bearer Mar Roxas won big in Cebu when he ran for vice president. Can he and his running mate Leni Robredo replicate that feat?

Bea Cupin reports.

BEA CUPIN, REPORTING: Liberal Party standard bearer Mar Roxas and running mate Leni Robredo bring their campaign to the vote-rich province of Cebu. 

Their guest of honor their biggest endorser yet, president Benigno Aquino III.

Roxas speaks to shipbuilders in Lapu Lapu city while Robredo talks to battered women and the urban poor. The activities reflect the tandem’s main campaign promise. Jobs for Roxas, empowerment of the marginalized for Robredo.

Cebu is the most vote-rich province in the country with over 2.7 million registered voters.

Roxas won big here in 2010, clinching more than a million votes and winning in almost every town and city.

They want to repeat their 2010 feat but it’s not going to be easy. 5th district representative Ace Durano, formerly of the LP, is now the campaign manager of senator Grace Poe.

Davao Mayor Rodrigo Duterte’s promise of a Bisaya president also resonates for some residents here. Duterte traces his roots to Danao City in Cebu.  

Vice President Jejomar Binay, who Roxas clobbered in the province back in 2010, has been religiously visiting the province to court the Cebuano vote.

But on election day, will the Cebu of 2016 be as yellow as 2010?

Bea Cupin, Rappler, Mandaue City. – Rappler.com