Tacloban: A unity rally of Eastern Visayas officials, led by House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, here on Thursday promised support to the senatorial slate of Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas in the May 12 elections.
According to Philippines News Agency, the rally at the city convention center gathered some of the region's provincial governors, district representatives, thousands of community leaders and volunteers, city mayors, and municipal mayors from across political lines. The region has about 3.25 million voters.
'Ang paninindigan ng Eastern Visayas ay malinaw: susuportahan namin ang mga kandidatong may malasakit, may bisyon, at may konkretong plano para sa bayan. Kapag nagkakaisa ang mga rehiyon, umuusad ang buong bansa. Ito ang ambag ng Eastern Visayas sa Bagong Pilipinas - - isang pamahalaang naka-ugat sa malasakit, pagkakaisa, at tunay na paglilingkod,' Romualdez said during the rally.
"We will watch out for the election results in every province and municipality in the region. We have to prove to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. that we support his candidates," he added.
The grand assembly, co-hosted by Tingog Party-list and Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats party, featured a motorcade through the city, followed by a unity program inside the convention center, where the Alyansa senatorial candidates presented their platforms.
'Leadership must be rooted in love of country and service to others. On May 8, Region 8 declares: we stand for unity, not division; for service, not self-interest; for country, always,' Romualdez added.
The event also highlighted legislative priorities and local programs aligned with the Alyansa platform - - jobs, education, peace, and inclusive growth.
Among the Alyansa senatorial candidates present during the event were Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino, former Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos, and ACT-CIS Party-list representative Erwin Tulfo.
Also part of the party's senatorial slate are Makati City mayor Abby Binay, senators Pia Cayetano, Lito Lapid and Ramon Revilla Jr., former senators Panfilo Lacson, Manny Pacquiao, and Vicente Sotto III, and Rep. Camille Villar.