MANILA, Philippines – Three senatorial candidates took the stage during the proclamation rally of Junjun Binay, who wants to return as Makati City mayor.

His sister Senator Nancy Binay only talked about her reelection bid briefly on Saturday, March 30, as the rest of her speech focused on endorsing her younger brother Junjun. 

Nancy’s pitch for herself was short yet witty, as she poked fun at her dark skin. 

“‘Wag ‘nyo ho sanang kakalimutan: Kung gaano ho kaitim si Nancy Binay, sana gano’ng kaitim din ho ang pag-shade ‘nyo sa number 15 sa balota. Puwede po ba?” said Nancy, earning her loud cheers from Makati residents. 

(I hope you don’t forget this: Just like how dark Nancy Binay is, I hope that’s also how dark you’ll shade number 15 on the ballot. Can you do this for me?)

Nancy is president of the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA), the party her father and former vice president Jejomar Binay formed for his failed presidential bid in 2016. 

Another senatorial bet of UNA, former Manila councilor Dan Roleda, also delivered his campaign speech during the launch of Junjun’s mayoral bid. 

The 3rd senatorial candidate to campaign before the Makati voters was former Senate president Juan Ponce Enrile, who wore the signature orange color of the Puwersa ng Masang Pilipino he is running under.

In his speech, the 95-year-old veteran politician said his old age is not stopping him from seeking his political comeback. 

“Maraming pumapansin kung bakit itong taong gura na ito ay tumatakbong senador sa darating na halalan… Ako po ay hindi tumayo na kandidato kung ‘di ko alam na kaya ko pa ang magsilbi sa bayan. Ninety-five years old po ako, pero ay ako ay nakatindig sa ibabaw ng pick-up mula alas-8 ng umaga hanggang alas-6 ng gabi,” said Enrile. 

(Many have been asking why this old guy is running for senator in the upcoming elections… I won’t be standing here as a senator if I know I am no longer capable of serving the country. I may be 95 years old, but I can still stand on top of a pick-up truck from 8 in the morning to 6 in the evening.)

Enrile, who is running on a pro-poor platform, also appeared onstage during the proclamation rally of Junjun’s rival and older sister, reelectionist Mayor Abby Binay, the night before. 

Enrile has been going around the country together with Nancy, the daughter of his longtime political ally Binay. The former senator endorsed Binay’s presidential bid in 2016 and was present at the latter’s major sorties 3 years ago.

Enrile was a senator for 4 terms, covering 1987 to 1992, 1995 to 2001, and 2004 to 2016.

He faces plunder and graft charges over the pork barrel scam, after he was accused of pocketing P172 million in commissions when he allegedly allowed P345 million of his Priority Development Assistance Fund to be diverted to fake nongovernmental organizations. Enrile was granted bail in 2015. 

Actress Dianne Medina also went onstage on Saturday to campaign for administration senatorial bet Bong Go. – Rappler.com