The Kick-off rallies

No sooner had the campaign period started than the different presidential candidates conducted their campaign kick-off rallies, in their respective bailiwick in the country. For her part, presidential aspirant VP Leni Robredo and running mate Senator Kiko Pangilinan started their campaign by making rounds of various municipalities in Camarines Sur including Lupi, Sipocot, Libmanan and other municipalities in the 1st District of Camarines Sur, and consequently the 2rd, 3rd and 4th Districts, and culminating in a grand rally at the Plaza Quezon in Naga City where according to reports an estimated crowd of no less than 20,000 supporters attended- all with face masks but sans the observing of social distancing protocols. Mayor Nelson Legacion, Vice-Mayor Nene de Asis and all the city kagawads of Naga were likewise on hand by way of protocol, as the host city. VP Leni introduced her senatorial candidates, among whom Teddy Baguilat, Chel Diokno and Senators Leila de Lima, Risa Hontiveros and Sonny Trillanes were the most applauded. On the other hand, Panfilo “Ping” Lacson and his Vice-Presidential aspirant Vicente “Tito” Sotto launched their initial salvo in Imus, Cavite, with their senatorial candidates Herbert Bautista, Migz Zubiri, Loren Legarda, Raffy Tulfo and other guest candidates absent, but with the Eat bulaga powerhouse around to support them. For his part, Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao and running mate Lito Atienza launched their campaign salvo in General Santos City, where everything started for Manny in his public life. With him was his wife Jinky, and his motherAling Dionisia. Meanwhile, Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. and Sara Dutete held their own crowd at the Philippine Arena, which is owned by the bloc voting religious sect Iglesia ni Cristo in Bocaue, Bulacan. Isko Moreno and his VP aspirant Willy Ong, running under the Aksyon Demokratiko Party were at the Heroes Park in Manila, with their three senatorial bets Samira Gutoc. Carl Bailta and Jopet Sison.

This 90-day campaign period is a very critical period for the Filipino people where we are once again given the opportunity to judge for ourselves what direction we would like our country to take in the next six years. The future of our country and our young people is once more entrusted in our hands.

TRIVIA:

Belated birthday greetings to Mgsr. Rodel Cajot, presently assigned at the Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Penafrancia, last February 10. Birthday greetings likewise to Masy Penilla Cortez, who is now a resident of North Carolina, USA and the best friend of our daughter Gigi. She came all the way from USA just to attend Gigi’s wedding anniversary two years ago.

QUOTATION OF THE WEEK:

“EVERYTHING IS POLITICAL. AND THE CHOICE TO BE APOLITICAL IS USUALLY JUST AN ENDORSEMENT OF THE STATUS QUO AND THE UNEXAMINED LIFE.” - REBECCA SOINIT

FOR OUR WORD OF LIFE:

“WE MUST OBEY GOD, RATHER THAN MEN” - ACTS 5:29