MEXICO, Pampanga — Big political names in the vote-rich Pampanga are fully in support to the UniTeam tandem of former Senator Bongbong Marcos Jr. and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte.

At least two mini-rallies in District 2 and District 3 of the province were held for Mayor Sara and the senatorial bets of the UniTeam.

Former president and comebacking District 2 Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo hosted a rally at her hometown in Lubao while District 3 Rep. Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales led the rally in Mexico.

Both solons expressed their support for the BBM-Sara tandem in the May 9 elections.

Also present in the two events were the Pineda clan led by Gov. Dennis Pineda and his mother Vice Gov. Lilia Pineda.

In her speech, Arroyo asked Kapampangans to deliver a landslide vote for Mayor Sara as debt of gratitude to President Rodrigo Duterte for helping the province.

“Sa laki ng tulong naman ni Presidente Rody Duterte dito sa atin sa Pampanga, Kaya suklian natin siya…Dapat landslide si Inday Sara,” Arroyo said.

According to the former President for the administration to succeed the vice president must be intelligent and responsible as he cited her vice president then broadcaster Noli de Castro.

“Kailangan ni BBM (Bongbong Marcos), kahit matalino siya, para maging magaling na presidente, kailangan niya si Mayor Inday Sara Duterte bilang bise presidente. ‘Yun ang isang dahilan bakit ineendorso natin si Mayor Sara,” Arroyo, the former Speaker of the House stressed.

For his part, Gonzales said the local officials of his district are supporting the UniTeam tandem.

“We have decided to heed and share UniTeam candidates’ call for unity, hope and patriotism. If they get elected, they will have the unparalleled opportunity to unite the country behind the challenges it will continue to face, like the Covid-19 pandemic and soaring fuel and consumer prices,” Gonzales said.

“We also believe Bongbong Marcos and Mayor Inday Sara are in the best position to continue the programs and advocacies of President Duterte such as the Build, Build, Build push for infrastructure development,” he added.

The solon, who is running unopposed, is hoping the UniTeam tandem will likewise be open to his proposal to introduce “meaningful political changes in our Constitution that will help sustain our country’s growth.”

Gonzales has vowed to continue pushing for such reforms in the next Congress.

He is seeking his third and last term.

Meanwhile, he thanked President Rodrigo Duterte for the support he has given to his district, his constituents and the entire province of Pampanga.

He expressed confidence that he and his leaders, along with other provincial officials, could carry the BBM-Sara tandem to victory on May 9.