Laguna Gov. Ramil L. Hernandez on Thursday night officially endorsed Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) presidential candidate former senator Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. before another huge crowd of supporters during the UniTeam grand rally at Biñan Football Field here.
Earlier, the governor already endorsed Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) and Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) chairperson Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte as his vice presidential candidate.
Hernandez, president of Laguna’s Partido Demokratikong Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), joined the majority of Filipinos in declaring support for Marcos.
“Buong pamunuan ng PDP-Laban kasama po ng iba pang mga partido na nandito ay nagkakaisa para po sa iisang layunin, si Governor Hernandez po bilang pangulo ng PDP-Laban Laguna, ang akin pong presidente at vice president ay BBM-SARA,” Hernandez declared before introducing Marcos in the rally. (The leadership of PDP-Laban together those with those of the other parties present are one in supporting the UniTeam of BBM-Sara)
He earlier welcomed Marcos in a previous campaign sortie in the province but was silent on his endorsement.
The campaign rally was spearheaded by Laguna officials led by Deputy Speaker and Laguna Rep. Marlyn Alonte, Biñan City Mayor Arman Dimaguila, Vice Mayor Gel Alonte, Hernandez, Vice Gov. Karen Agapay, Rep. Ruth Hernandez and others.
Marcos and Duterte reiterated their message of unity, hope and patriotism during the rally.
Organizers say tens of thousands of Lagunenses, coming not only from Binan but also from Laguna’s other municipalities not yet visited by the BBM-Sara UniTeam, trooped to the said rally.
For his part, Binan City Vice Mayor Gel Alonte said he is endorsing Marcos because he is fit to become the country’s next president.
Alonte said former President Ferdinand Marcos, Sr. was accredited for most of the developments in the province, Marcos, Jr., or BBM, would also bring further development
The mammoth crowd, which included a lady who was already in the advanced stage of her pregnancy, reiterated the endorsement of their local officials and chanted “Panalo ka na rito!” repeatedly.
One of the supporters said incumbent Binan City Mayor Arman Dimaguila and his opponent, Mike Yatco, who is related to Marcos’ national campaign manager and former MMDA Chairman Benhur Abalos by marriage, both endorse Marcos for president. With Rey E. Requejo