CAMARINES NORTE—Vice presidential candidate Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed confidence he will get a big number of votes in Bicol region, a known bailiwick and hometown of four other candidates for the second highest position.
“This campaign is not because they are Bicolanos or not, the campaign is who has a good platform of government, solutions to their problems so they will have a good future. Sa akin ka lang makakarinig ng detailed program of government,” Marcos said.
“Hindi mahalaga kung saan ka galing. Ang importante meron ka bang plano, may programa ka ba, alam ba ang solusyon at may kakayahan na ibigay ang solusyon?” Marcos added.
“We are all serious candidates. To dismiss anyone of them is a dangerous thing to do. In terms of the vice president, I know all of my opponents, I take them very seriously,” the senator said.
Meanwhile, Albay Rep. Al Francis Bichara threw his support behind Marcos, saying he agreed with the unity advocacy of the senator because of the many problems and challenges buffeting the nation.
“I could not agree with you [Marcos] more on your message of unity because we really need to unite this country,” said Bichara, a longtime friend of Marcos, going back to their days as neophyte members of the House of Representatives in the 9th Congress.
Marcos said unity should reign in order to get the country moving forward.
Bichara said Marcos could very well be the country’s next president because of his solid track record in public service spanning 27 years.
Albay Gov. Joey Salceda warmly received Marcos in the provincial capitol when his Unity Caravan rolled into the province Friday afternoon. Salceda, who is Liberal Party affiliated together with Vice Gov. Harold Imperial, wished the senator the best in his candidacy.
Marcos thanked the Bicolanos for their warm welcome and gave his report on the Barangay Retirement Benefits Bill that he has been championing.