By Gabriela Baron
Four presidential candidates made the last push on Saturday, May 7, to court voters as the campaign season came to a conclusion.
Former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and his running mate Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio staged their miting de avance in Aseana, Parañaque City.
During the event, Marcos rallied for unity in front of tens of thousands of supporters.
“Simula nang magsimula ang kampanyang ito, anim na buwan nang umiikot ang UniTeam dala ang mensahe ng pagkakaisa, ng pagmamahal, at pagtutulungan ng bawat Pilipino dahil po, sa aking pananaw, ito ang kailangan natin sa krisis, lalo na sa panahon ngayon,” Marcos said.
“Tinanggap po ninyo ang ating mensahe ng pagkakaisa. Naunawaan po ninyo agad na ang pagkakaisa ay magiging bunga ng pagmamahal ng bawat Pilipino sa isa’t isa,” he continued.
Vice President Leonor “Leni” Robredo and her running mate Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan ended their 90-day campaign with a miting de avance in Ayala Avenue, Makati.
In front of a huge crowd, Robredo vowed that if she wins, her government “will listen to the people.”
“Hindi ko ipapangako na makakamtan natin ang lahat ng ito o na mawawala lahat ng problema natin sa isang iglap lamang. Pero ang panata ko, palalayain kayo ng gobyerno mula sa mga dumadagan sa inyo. Tatabihan kayo sa pinagdaraanan ninyo,” Robredo said.
“Magkakaroon tayo ng gobyerno na makikinig sa atin, na pupuntahan tayo kung nasaan tayo, na mamahalin tayo nang tunay,” she added.
Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso held his miting de avance in Moriones Street, Tondo, a place where he grew up.
In his last campaign speech, Moreno said he will offer a “24/7” government should he win.
“Kayo diyan sa Mindanao, kayo diyan sa Visayas, kayo diyan sa Northern Luzon, kayo diyan sa Central Luzon, hinding-hindi ko kayo ipapahiya at hinding-hindi ko kayo iiwan. Lagi kong ipaparamdam sa inyo na ang gobyerno, bente-kwatro oras,” Moreno said.
Senator Manny Pacquiao held his miting de avance in his hometown General Santos City. His running mate Buhay partylist Rep. Lito Atienza was not present during the rally, but he delivered a taped speech.
During the event, Pacquiao said his priority when he becomes president is to provide housing and livelihood to Filipinos, strengthen agriculture, provide free education, and free hospitalizations for senior citizens.
Meanwhile, Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson and his running mate Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto held their miting de avance in Carmona, Cavite on Friday, May 6. The final rally was attended by an estimate of 50,000 people.
Labor leader Leody de Guzman and his running mate Walden Bello held their miting de avance in Quezon Memorial Circle on Wednesday, May 4. – ngs
