Vice President Leni Robredo on Wednesday received a warm welcome from her supporters in Sorsogon as she makes a campaign stop in the province, sharing the stage with Gov. Francis 'Chiz' Escudero.
However, despite a full production welcome to the presidential aspirant, Escudero still remained silent on whether he is endorsing Robredo, whom he called a "daughter of Sorsogon" during his brief introduction to her.
Robredo’s late mother Sally Gerona hails from Bulan, Sorsogon.
It is not surprising that Escudero, who is gunning to make a senatorial comeback under the Nationalist People's Coalition, is not publicly endorsing the Vice President despite being part of the latter's guest candidate.
He is also included in the senatorial slates of Sens. Ping Lacson and Manny Pacquiao, who are both also running for president.
Escudero has also received the backing of vice-presidential candidate and Davao City Vice Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.
Robredo endorses Escudero
During her speech before the pink-clad crowd in Sorsogon, Robredo urged the public to vote for Escudero in the upcoming polls.
"Malaki po ang utang na loob ko kay Governor Chiz. Hindi niya po ito nakukwento pero noong ako ay naging vice president tinulungan niya ang OVP,” Robredo said in Bicolano.
"Hindi naman kaila na naglaban po kami ni Governor Chiz noong 2016 pero pagkapanalo ko, siya ang nag-reach out. Noong nagsisimula pa lang ako bilang VP, siya po ang tumulong sa opisina na makahanap ng mapagkukunan ng pondo para sa aming mga programa," she added.
Escudero was among the contenders whom Robreod defeated for the vice-presidential post during the 2016 elections.
"Ang pagbabalik niya sa Senado ay malaking bagay dahil noong siya ay senador pa, alam naman ng lahat na si Senator Chiz ay isa sa mga pinakamatibay na mambabatas. Actually, whether governor siya or senator, dahil sa kanyang mga nagawa, laging bentahe para sa ating bansa," Robredo said.
