AT least 41 governors led by Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone have signed a joint statement expressing their strong support on President Rodrigo “Rody” Duterte’s acceptance of his nomination as the vice presidential candidate of the ruling party Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) in next year’s presidential polls

In a statement sent to House reporters, Evardone, PDP-Laban vice president for Visayas and former congressman of Eastern Samar, said they “laud and support President Duterte’s decision to accept the offer of the administration PDP-Laban party to run for Vice President in next year’s elections.”

“As Vice President, President Duterte could influence his successor to pursue his war on drugs, his Build, Build, Build infrastructure plan, projects for the poor, and his post-COVID-19 (coronavirus disease-19) pandemic economic recovery roadmap, among other programs,” the group said.

“Despite the inroads in the campaign against illegal drugs, the drug menace continues to persist. Indeed, this problem is no longer confined to urban areas; it has spread to the countryside. The next administration, with the help of President Duterte, should relentlessly pursue the war on drugs,” according to them.

“We, provincial governors, are witness to the gains of the Build, Build, Build program. New road networks, school buildings, airports, seaports, medical facilities, and river protection and drainage systems have mushroomed in the provinces, generating economic activities, jobs and income for our people. We have to continue building and improving infrastructure to speed up urban and rural development,” the 41 governors stressed.

“The nation was on a high economic growth path until the pandemic struck in early 2020. It’s unfortunate that COVID-19 derailed economic progress that could match the level the country attained during the previous administration. But with President Duterte’ guiding hand, the next leadership could do it. The President’s war on drugs, his campaign against corruption, his prudent use of government resources, and his incessant pursuit of good governance will all contribute to a post-pandemic environment conducive for faster economic growth,” they said.

“We hope and pray that the next President and President Duterte as his Vice President could work together in making life better for our people,” they added.

Those who signed the joint statement were governors Jose Alvarez of Palawan, Dale Corvera of Agusan Norte; Damian Mercado of Southern Leyte; Humerlito Dolor of Oriental Mindoro; Sakur Tan of Sulu; Dakila Cua of Quirino; Nancy Catamco of Cotabato; Art Yap of Bohol; Edgardo Tallado of Camarines Norte; Wilter Palma of Zamboanga Sibugay; Francisco Matugas of Surigao Norte; Jim Hataman-Salliman of Basilan; Reynolds Michael Tan of Samar; Esteban Contreras of Capiz; Edwin Ong of Northern Samar; Dominic Petilla of Leyte; Roger Espina of Biliran; Antonio Kho of Masbate; Imelda Dimaporo of Lanao del Norte; Vic Yu of Zamboanga del Sur; Philip Tan of Misamis Occidental; Ayik Pimentel of Surigao del Sur; Jecoy Villa of Siquijor; Pacoy Ortega of La Union; Joel Degamo of Negros Oriental; Joseph Cua of Catanduanes; Eduardo Gadiano of Occidental Mindoro; Samuel Gumarin of Guimaras; Steve Solon of Sarangani; Jun Ebdane of Zambales; Migs Villafuerte of Camarines Sur; Bai Mariam Mangudadatu of Maguindanao; Suharto Mangudadatu of Sultan Kudarat; Samuel Gumarin of Guimaras; Joe Riano of Romblon; Rodora Cadiao of Antique; Al Francis Bichara of Albay; Bonifacio Lacwasan of Mountain Province; Florencio Miraflores of Aklan; and Ben Evardone of Eastern Samar.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Ryan Ponce Pacpaco