BATANGAS City – REELECTIONIST Batangas Gov. Hermilando “Dodo” I. Mandanas on Thursday declared support for UniTeam presidential candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. and his running mate Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte.

Mandanas, who filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) under the ruling Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), said Marcos and Duterte have proven track records, competence and sincerity to serve and lead the Filipinos, adding that UniTeam’s message of unity will help propel the country to full economic recovery.

He added the country needs intelligent leaders who will continue good governance and prioritize people’s welfare, particularly regarding the fight against the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

“I am endorsing and supporting BBM for President and Mayor Inday Sara for vice president. Their message of unity is the right message this time,” Mandanas, a key political leader in the vote-rich province of Batangas, said in an interview.

Marcos and Duterte received a warm welcome during an afternoon rally here attended by Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) President and House Majority Leader Martin G. Romualdez, Deputy Speaker and Davao City Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte, and senatorial candidate Harry Roque, drawing thousands of supporters to the Batangas Provincial Capitol ground.

Wearing red and green shirts, supporters jampacked the venue and chanted “Bongbong-Sara!” as the duo campaigned together again for their two-province sortie in Calabarzon region that started in Quezon Wednesday where Gov. Danilo Suarez and his allies declared support for the UniTeam candidates.

“Subok na ang kanyang kakayahan at malasakit. Walang iba kundi si Pangulong Marcos,” Mandanas said, referring to the presidential candidate of the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) under the UniTeam Alliance, during the rally he organized for the duo.

“Hindi lamang ang ating magiging susunod na pangulo ang nandito kundi maging ang susunod na vice president (Duterte) ng Pilipinas,” Mandanas said.

In the morning, Marcos and Duterte met with elected officials and local leaders hosted by Lipa City mayoralty candidate Meynard Sabili, a three-term mayor, at the El Grande Resort, Purok 4, Brgy San Carlos, Lipa City.

Marcos and Duterte were also endorsed by leaders of various groups that include Mayor Inday Sara Duterte Philippines President Movement, Inday Sara Movement, Inday Sara Cares and other groups during a meet and greet held at Yakal Function, Summit Point in Lipa City, and others.

Duterte attended a separate meet and greet with Lakas-CMD and friends also at the Summit Point with Lakas-CMD vice mayoralty candidate Talisay, Batangas Councilor Lorenz Pesigan, Lakas-CMD Party Youth Leader Mikaela Gloria “Mika” M. Arroyo, Batangas Vice Governor Jose Antonio Leviste II, Batangas Reps. Raneo Abu (2nd District), Ma. Theresa Collantes (3rd District), and Lianda B. Bolilia (4th), 11 Batangas mayors, and other local officials.

Marcos and Duterte also met with Eagles Club Batangas Province, Senior Citizens Federation, and leaders of persons with disabilities at the provincial auditorium here.

Other meetings and events were alao scheduled to be attended by Marcos and Duterte here late Thursday afternoon.