‘CheKiBam’ start shoring up Cebu support

CEBU, Philippines — Human rights lawyer Chel Diokno and former senators Kiko Pangilinan and Bam Aquino officially launched yesterday their “CheKiBam” campaign in vote-rich Cebu.

In a press conference they held along with Senator Risa Hontiveros, Pangilinan said now is the time for them to recruit and organize and consolidate their volunteers.

“We have to build that network so that we will come out stronger in the years to come—2025 as a beachhead and then 2028 and beyond,” he said.

“If we are to make a difference in 2025 and even beyond 2028, the presidential election, we have to start now,” he added.

Aquino, for his part, said that they have not fielded any local candidates in Cebu but remained optimistic that their friends in Cebu will be there to support them.

Together with opposition Senator Hontiveros, the three officials said they are alternatives candidates who would protect the rights of the Filipino people.

Hontiveros promised that “we will be there for you” in the 2025 elections by they need their friends for the senate race next year as well as in the 2028 elections and beyond.

Diokno, who would already on his third attempt at bagging a Senate seat, said they, the CheKiBam, and Hontiveros have already started reaching out to political leaders of Cebu.

Pangilinan, the husband of megastar Sharon Cuneta, was hopeful that the Cebu votes for the “CheKiBam” would be big factor to propel their senatorial ambitions come the 2025 elections.

Cebuanos voted Pangilinan as their number one choice in the 2016 elections.

“Matatalino talaga ang mga Cebuano kasi ginawa ninyo akong number one senator ditto,” he told the press conference yesterday. — (FREEMAN)