JAIME R. PILAPIL, REPORTER
There is no need to endorse the vice presidential bid of Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in the Ilocano-speaking regions because people there love him so much, according to Sen. Cynthia Villar.
“Pero alam ko po naman sa Solid North, hindi na kailangang ikampanya pa si Senator Marcos. I think nasa puso nyo ang pagboto kay Senator Marcos, yung nasa puso hindi nawawala yun e, hindi na kailangang sabihin pa [I know that there is no need to campaign for Sen, Marcos here. I think, he is in your heart. There is no need to say it],” Villar told faculty and staff of the Pangasinan State University in Balugao town over the weekend.
Villar and Marcos–both from the Nacionalista Party (NP)–were invited to the team-building exercises of the university faculty.
Marcos said he could only thank Villar, saying he fully understands her predicament because two more NPparty mates are running for Vice President, namely Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Antonio Trillanes 4th.
“I hope that we could push our message of unity all throughout the country because if we remain fragmented, we would not be able to move forward as a nation and give our people the service that they deserve,” the senator from Ilocos Norte said.
Marcos is running in tandem with Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Cayetano runs with Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, while Trillanes is by his lonesome as an independent candidate.
On Saturday, Cavite Vice Gov. Jolo Revilla endorsed the candidacy of Marcos.
In Manila on Sunday, the senator led the kick-off of Fire Prevention Month participated in by the 900-strong fire volunteer groups in Metro Manila.
Wilbert Loa, president of the Association of Volunteer Fire Chiefs and Firefighters of the Philippines Inc. (AVFCFPI), urged the public to be extra careful, saying primary causes of fires are either faulty wiring or unattended lighted candles.
Lao said in case of fire anybody may dial 16016 and AVFCPI, formed in 1987, will immediately respond.
About 82 trucks joined the parade of firetrucks during the kick-off.
The motorcade started at Road 10 in Manila and proceeded to Samson, Edsa, West Avenue in Quezon City to Quezon Avenue, Araneta Avenue, Old Santa Mesa in Manila, V. Mapa, Kalentong in Mandaluyong City, Pedro Gil in Manila, Quirino Avenue, South Superhighway, Buendia Avenue, Ayala Avenue, EDSA, Roxas Boulevard, Finance Road, City Hall of Manila, Jones Bridge, Reina Regente Street, Abad Santos Street, Tayuman Street, and back to Road 10 where the headquarters of AVFCPI are located.