SPEAKER Lord Allan Velasco expressed confidence that Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte will make a good vice president.

Velasco and Mayor Sara, vice presidential candidate of Lakas-CMD, are best of friends and are behind the success of the Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP).

In a statement, Velasco reiterated his all-out and unconditional support for her candidacy.

Velasco likened the vice presidential frontrunner to the majestic Philippine Eagle that symbolizes courage and compassion.

“Mayor Inday Sara possesses a clear vision, is courageous, has integrity, honesty, humility, compassion and clear focus. There is no doubt she will be a good vice president,” said Velasco, who joined Mayor Sara in her sortie in Cabanatuan City.

The House leader issued the statement as his team joined the Luzon leg of Mayor Duterte’s “Mahalin Natin ang Pilipinas Ride (MNPR),” a month-long national caravan from Davao City to various parts of the country.

Velasco, who is running unopposed in Marinduque’s lone congressional district, is also supporting the Pusong Pinoy Party-list, which is running under the platform “Labanan ang Sakit at Kahirapan.”

Sara’s caravan was heading for Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya Friday afternoon.

SARA’S PERSONAL SENATORIAL PICKS

Mayor Sara announced her personal senatorial slate for the 2022 national elections.

She described these senatorial candidates as her friends and will endorse them as she continues her “Mahalin Natin Ang Pilipinas Ride.”

They are former Senator JV Ejercito, re-electionist Joel Villanueva; Sorsogon Gov. Chiz Escudero; former National Police Chief Guillermo Eleazar; former vice president Jojo Binay; actor Robin Padilla and former Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo.

“Sila ang aking mga kaibigan na tumatakbo din sa Senado. Akin din silang susuportahan,” Mayor Sara said.

Mayor Sara is the chairperson of lakas-CMD and Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) and the running mate of Partido Federal ng Pilipinas presidential bet Bongbong Marcos Jr.

The UniTeam has 11 aspirants in its senatorial line-up namely: re-electionists Sherwin Gatchalian and Migz Zubiri; former Senators Loren Legarda; Gringo Honasan and Jinggoy Estrada; former National Defense Sec. Gilbert Teodoro; former Public Works and Highway Sec. Mark Villar; former Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque; SAGIP Rep. Rodante Marcoleta; former Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista and Atty. Larry Gadon.

THANKS SALCEDA FOR SUPPORT

Mayor Sara likewise expressed gratitude to Albay Rep. Joey Salceda for his support to her candidacy.

In an interview during a sortie in Bulacan, Mayor Sara said she and Marcos Jr. are welcoming all support from different groups and individuals despite differences in political affiliations.

“Napag-usapan na namin ‘yan ni Apo BBM na either of us will not refuse endorsements whether individually or collectively at nagpapasalamat po tayo sa lahat ng mga kaibigan at supporters natin sa buong bansa,” Mayor Sara said.

In a statement, Salceda declared his support to Mayor Sara because of her track record and good governance.

Salceda’s party PDP-Laban has endorsed Mayor Sara but did not announce its support for any presidential candidate.

“Hence, we party members are free to choose according to our own judgment and conviction,” Salceda said.

The House Committee on Ways and Means chairman said the next leaders of the government should be well-versed in economy and those that are known for judicious and effective use of public resources in the offices and agencies they presided over.

“That will be very crucial given our post-pandemic fiscal space,” Salceda added.

Back in March last year, Salceda signaled his support for Mayor Sara during the international forum hosted by a different global bank based in Singapore, and that announcement helped trigger a local stock market boom, especially for stocks with Singaporean equity