SENATOR Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Monday his partnership with Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago for the May elections was both an honor and a challenge because of the high standards she represented.
Speaking at the launching ceremonies for “Youth for Miriam” at the Ynares Center in Pasig City, Marcos reiterated his admiration for Santiago’s intellect, brilliance and courage.
He said he looked forward to serving the country under the leadership of his presidential running mate Santiago as he exhorted the youth to support their partnership.
“Malaking karangalan po ang maging katambal si President Miriam sa ating kampanya ngayong 2016,” Marcos said. “I look forward to continue working with her in the higher rungs of government, and I can’t wait to be under her tutelage and be mentored by her.” Marcos said working with someone like Santiago was not just exciting but also posed a huge challenge to keep up with her high standards.
“Nagpapasalamat ako na patuloy siyang binibigyan ng magandang kalusugan. Patunay na mas marami at mas malakas ang mga mabubuting-loob na nagdarasal para sa kanyang kalusugan at kaligtasan kaysa sa mga masasamang damo na naghahangad ng kabaligtaran para sa kanya!” Marcos said.
He said that, in partnership with Santiago, they would endeavor to install a “national integrity system” as the foundation of good government and a more progressive future for all Filipinos.
“Let us vote intelligently and wisely. Nasa kamay ninyong mga kabataan ang magandang kinabukasan ng Pilipinas,” Marcos said.
Some 1,000 members of the Youth for Miriam attended the event and they vowed to work vigorously to campaign for Santiago and Marcos nationwide.
The Commission on Elections says the youth vote or those 18 to 35 years of age will most likely determine the outcome of the elections because they comprise about 37 percent or roughly 20 million of the entire electorate.
It was the second time Santiago and Marcos were together on the campaign trail after their kick-off rally in Batac, Ilocos Norte, last week.
The occasion also served as their tandem’s proclamation rally for their senatorial slate that includes Senator Ralph Recto, Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, Saranggani Rep. Manny Pacquiao, Manila Mayor Francisco Moreno, former Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla, migrant workers advocate Susan Ople, former Metro Manila Development Authority Chairman Francis Tolentino, former Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Director General Joel Villanueva, former Armed Forces Chief of Staff and Director General of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Dionisio Santiago, and actor and television host Edu Manzano.