Vice presidential candidate and Senator Francis Pangilinan on Thursday revealed the reason why he skipped the sortie held in Eastern Samar.
Pangilinan came to social media to explain that he was informed by their campaign HQ that the local candidates in Eastern Samar only wanted to endorse his running-mate, presidential candidate Leni Robredo, and not him.
"In order to ensure that the local political leaders came out in full force to show public support for her bid, I agreed not to attend," explained Pangilinan.
"In certain localities, to borrow the term, for Leni to increase, I must decrease."
Despite his absence, Pangilinan extended his gratitude to their supporters in Borongan, Eastern Samar.
"Nakakataba ng puso na hinahanap nila ako. Humihingi ako ng pasensya na rin na hindi ako nakadalo," he said.
(It is heartwarming to know that they looked for me. I apologize for not being able to attend.)
"Under a different set of political circumstances, I would have loved to see our kababayans and supporters in Eastern Samar."
Robredo recently saw the endorsement of Eastern Samar Governor Ben Evardone, a member of PDP-Laban. He joins Eastern Samar Representative Marie Fe Abunda and the following local officials in the province who have also thrown their support for Robredo:
- Borongan Mayor Jose Ivan Dagda
- Quinapondan Mayor Rafael Asebias
- Sulat Mayor Javier Zacate
- Guiuan Mayor Annaliza Gonzales-Kwan
- Maydolong Mayor Godofredo Garado
- Can-avid Mayor Gil Norman Germino
- Balangkayan Mayor Allan Contado
- Dolores Mayor Shonny Nino Carpeso
- Mercedes Mayor Edqin Quiminales
- San Policarpo Mayor Thelma Nicart
- Salcedo Mayor Melchor Mergal
- Maslog Mayor Heracleo Santiago
- Taft Mayor Gina Ty
- Oras Mayor Viviane Alvarez
- Jipapad Mayor Benjamin Ver
- Arteche Mayor Roland Evardone
- San Julian Mayor Dennis Estaron
- Gen. MacArthur Mayor Flora Ty
- Giporlos Mayor Gilbert Go
