The Nacionalista Party (NP), led by billionaire tycoon and politician Manuel Villar, on Tuesday expressed its full backing to the candidacies of presidential candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and his running mate, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte.
In a statement, Villar said Marcos and Duterte’s “message of unity is crucial in binding our country together and inspiring our people as we rebuild not only from the pandemic but also from the political chasm that divides us.”
“They both have the platforms of government, qualifications and track record to lead our country towards unity and prosperity,” Villar said.
Majority Leader and Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) President Martin G. Romualdez of Leyte’s 1st District on Tuesday hailed the move of the NP to support Marcos and Duterte.
“The Lakas-CMD welcomes and greatly values the endorsement of the Nacionalista Party led by former Senate President Manny Villar of the Marcos-Duterte tandem,” said Romualdez.
“The support of one of the country’s biggest and oldest political parties will certainly make a difference as we work hard to consolidate forces and support the UniTeam tandem in this crucial period of the campaign.”
Villar’s son, former Public Works and Highways secretary Mark Villar, is running for senator under the BBM-Sara UniTeam slate.
Two other political parties — the PDP-Laban wing under Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi and the National Unity Party — earlier expressed support for the BBM-Sara tandem.
With barely five weeks left before the May 9 elections, Marcos said the NP endorsement would give the UniTeam campaign an added boost.
“We are very happy every time we get support, especially from our home party, the Nacionalista Party. That is good and all the friends and allies have come together,” he said.
He thanked the Villars for their continued support.