Leni at Kiko-Bam rally: Others have separated, we're still together

ILOILO CITY —Former vice president Leni Robredo campaigned for the return to the Senate of former senators Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan in this city, telling supporters how they have stayed united even after the elections in 2022.

Robredo also thanked the Iloilo folk, saying their support would embolden them to continue seeking ways to help the people.

“May kasabihan sa politika. Kawawa talaga ang mga natatalo kasi nakakalimutan. Pero nakalimutan nyo ba kami?” Robredo said as supporters at the Iloilo Sports Complex Provincial Gym replied, "No."

(There's a saying in politics. Pity the losers because they are forgotten. But have you forgotten us?)

Robredo told the audience how the supporters have stayed despite the loss.

“Kahit broken-hearted kayo, kahit umiyak kayo... nandito pa rin kayo. Kahit durog na durog, kahit ang daming luhang ibinuhos, basta para sa bayan, laban lang nang laban. Kapag bayan ang ipinaglalaban, hindi tayo napapagod,” Robredo said.

"At yun ang dahilan kung bakit tayo nagkakaisa pa rin. Hanggang ngayon, naghiwalayan na yung iba, tayo magkakasama pa rin. Wala akong sinasabi kung sino naghiwalay ah," she added.

(Even if you're broken-hearted, even if you cried... you're still here. Even if crushed or tears were shed, as long as it is for the country, the fight continues. If fighting for the country, we will not tire. And that is the reason why we remain united. Others have separated but we're all still together. Now, I'm not mentioning the names of those who went separate ways.)

The Team Unity tandem of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte won the 2022 elections. The ticket of Robredo and Pangilinan placed second.

Marcos and Duterte have since parted ways politically after the latter resigned from the helm of the Department of Education.

Duterte is also facing an impeachment trial over several allegations.

Robredo, who is running for Naga City mayor, said Filipinos who fight for the welfare of their fellow will never get tired of working hard to help reform the government.

“Wala kayong kadala-dala dahil ang ipinaglalaban natin hindi naman tao. Ang pinaglalaban natin yung kinabukasan ng mga Pilipino,” Robredo said.

“’Yung support na ibinigay niyo sa amin ni Senator Kiko noong 2022, hindi ‘yun dahil sa akin o kay Senator Kiko. Kasi kung dahil ‘yun sa akin at kay Senator Kiko, wala na sana kayo ngayon. Pero hindi ba, kapag ‘yung pagmamahal nandyan, kahit paulit-ulit nasasaktan, laban pa rin,” she added.

Robredo, Pangilinan, and Aquino were joined on the stage by former Senate President Franklin Drilon, Senator Risa Hontiveros, and Iloilo Rep. Lorenz Defensor.

Drilon endorsement

Earlier in the day, Drilon backed the Senate comeback bid of Aquino and Pangilinan in his hometown, saying they are most qualified for the post.

“I am endorsing fully and asking for your help, to help Kiko Pangilinan and Bam Aquino. I was in the Senate for 24 years. If there are people qualified to be in the Senate, it is Kiko and Bam. I have worked with the two of them,” Drilon said in a press conference.

Drilon cited the laws authored by Aquino which included the Fair Competition Act and the Free College Law.

Likewise, Drilon lauded Pangilinan for his previous work as food secretary under then President Benigno Aquino III. During Pangilinan's tenure, cases were filed against rice hoarders and other traders, which helped bring the prices of rice down.

“They can stand toe to toe with anyone in this field. They are most qualified for your support. Hindi lang sila mga artista. Artistahin lang,” Drilon said.

Aquino thanked Drilon for his endorsement, saying he considers the former Senate President a mentor. 

“He (Drilon) is terribly missed in the Senate. Pero rest assured po, every step of the way, lagi po kami humihingi ng advice, ng tulong at ng guidance kay Senator Frank. ‘Yung natutunan ko po sa kanya, yung work ethic ni Sen. Frank is unparalleled. And I hope pagbalik po natin sa Senado, we can fill in the void that Senator Frank has left,” Aquino said.

(We always seek Senator Frank's counsel and help, and the things I learned from him, his work ethic, are unparalleled.)

“I am thankful for the endorsement of my political ally of over 20 years. I have won here in Iloilo three times and I believe that Iloilo voters are intelligent voters,” Pangilinan added.

Pangilinan also said that the bitter fallout between the Uniteam of Marcos and Duterte could open a window of opportunity toward victory for himself and Aquino.

“The major difference in 2022 is that the North and South were allies. They were solid. Today, the Uniteam is having problems. So that gives us an opening,” Pangilinan said.

“Also, in the past, the attacks online were just against us. I was made a demon for six years. The trolling, bashing that I got. But now, surprisingly, it is far from the worst, so that's also good for us moving forward to 2025,” he added.

Likewise, Pangilinan said that voters have become more vigilant about what they see on social media.

“Moving forward, there is really an opening for us two. Exciting times ahead,” Pangilinan added.

Aquino said the Senate race being a race to 12 is an opportunity to widen the coalition.

“The Senate is a race to 12, and the people are really not divided on what they want. They want expanded social services, job creation. These are what the people are looking for, regardless of the affiliation of the candidate,” Aquino said.

“This is a very, very different campaign, with different dynamics, but we're hoping na ang Iloilo will still be there to support us like before,” Aquino added.

Based on Commission on Elections (Comelec) records, Iloilo province is the tenth vote-rich province in the country with at least 1.64 million votes. —LDF, GMA Integrated News

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