Rally turnout surprises UNA officials

BAYBAY CITY, Philippines  â€” An estimated 15,000 supporters flocked to the Veteran’s Park for the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) rally the other day, but organizers admitted they did not expect a crowd that big.

UNA sortie manager Henry Caunan said the big turnout for mayoralty candidate Marilou “Malot” Galenzoga was overwhelming. The party claims the rally the other day was the “most organized and well-attended” among the rallies since February.

Quoting senatorial candidate Nancy Binay, daughter of Vice President Jejomar Binay, Caunan said the unexpected turnout was a clear manifestation that the people want change in the city and that Galenzoga has the ability to pull people together.

Former senator and current UNA bet Richard “Dick” Gordon was also reportedly impressed by the turnout that his speech ran for more than an hour. 

From among the UNA bets for senator, only Binay, Gordon, and the children of candidates Mitos Magsaysay and Ernesto Maceda, Don and Erwin, stayed for the rally. Jack Enrile was present but did not stay long. JV Ejercito, on the other hand, was not able to attend reportedly because his chopper ran out of gasoline, which made it impossible to him to travel from Maasin.

Also present were ANAD partylist representatives, 5th district board member aspirant Eric Flores, and congressional candidate Renato Roble.

Local UNA candidates also came to show their support, including Hilongos Mayor Joy Roble and the complete opposition slate in Mahaplag, Leyte led by mayoralty bet Glenn Bartolini.  (FREEMAN)