Drilon endorses Belmontes, Bautista as LP bets

MANILA, Philippines -  Liberal Party (LP) stalwart Sen. Franklin Drilon on Sunday led the proclamation rally of the local administration ticket of re-electionist Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista, Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte, and House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr.

Thousands of yellow-clad supporters trooped to Barangay Old Balara for the rally, which was also attended by senatorial candidates Sonny Angara, Bam Aquino, Risa Hontiveros, Jamby Madrigal, Jun Magsaysay and Cynthia Villar.

Also in attendance was administration candidate re-electionist Sen. Loren Legarda, while candidates Grace Poe Llamanzares and Sen. Koko Pimentel sent representatives.

In his proclamation message, Drilon – who serves as LP vice chairman and Team PNoy campaign manager – expressed gratitude for Bautista and the Belmontes for their support for the administration of President Aquino.

Drilon asked residents to support the Team PNoy slate and relayed the President’s pledge to continue funding infrastructure projects in the city in his last three years in office.

During the rally, Speaker Belmonte – who is seeking re-election as fourth district congressman – endorsed the Team PNoy ticket. He asked the people to give the President another mandate by electing his senatorial candidates.

He likewise praised Bautista for continuing the projects that he started when he was city mayor.

Bautista also appealed to residents to vote for the entire LP senatorial and local slate. He earlier pledged to continue prioritizing disaster risk reduction, socialized housing, and social services once re-elected.

During last year’s state of the city address, Bautista stressed that his vision is for Quezon City to become the next global growth generator. He noted the increasing number of businesses in the city as an indicator of the success of his administration.

He said his government intends to take advantage of the four sectors that promises economic growth – information technology, health and wellness, environment-based business, and tourism – in order to provide more jobs for the residents.

Bautista is facing independent candidates Johnny Chang and Henry Samonte while the younger Belmonte is facing independent candidate Rolando Jota for the vice mayoral post. Speaker Belmonte is facing Albert Hans Palacios (PMP).