Cebu City (CNN Philippines) — In his bid for the vice presidential seat, Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. made the rounds for the first time in Cebu, a province considered an Aquino bailiwick since the 1986 EDSA Revolution.
The son of the former dictator said he was “encouraged” because of the “enthusiastic and warm welcome” he received from ordinary people during his sorties in downtown barangays in Cebu City.
Marcos said he came down to Cebu armed with a message of unity, with the belief that this was understood by the Cebuanos.
During the morning motorcade, Marcos accommodated Cebuanos who wanted to take pictures with him.
No elected officials accompanied Marcos in the motorcade, but the senator paid a courtesy call at the Cebu City Hall and was welcomed by Cebu City Vice Mayor Edgar Labella and Mayor Mike Rama.
Meanwhile, a small group of protesters from the Anti-Bong Bong Marcos Coalition held rallies in the various areas he visited. But the Senator’s activities were unaffected.
When sought for comment on the protesting groups, Marcos said it is better that the country set aside differences and forge unity.
“Team Rama”
With his four-day trip to the Queen City of the South, the legislator expressed optimism that more is in store for him, particularly a possible support from Cebu City Mayor Rama, who is a member of the Binay-led United Nationalist Alliance (UNA).
In the afternoon, Marcos proceeded to the Cebu Country Club to attend a gathering of 62 out of the 80 barangay captains of Cebu City, who are allied with the mayor of the city.
Here, Marcos promised that he has been vying for the postponement of the barangay elections, while asking for the support of the barangay captains in his presidential bid.
Incumbent city councilor Gerardo Carillo, who is vying for a seat at the Congress under UNA, and Joel Garganera, who is running for councilor also under UNA, was also present during the meeting.
Garganera said that Mayor Rama has no knowledge of the meeting with the barangay captains and that they are only talking about concerns of barangay officials in the performance of their duties.
Speculations have floated around the City that the UNA’s “Team Rama” in Cebu has dropped Sen. Gregorio Honasan, UNA’s vice presidential candidate.
However, Carillo said that Team Rama is committed to the slate of UNA and that they only listened to Marcos.
Marcos for his part said that it is better if the officials themselves make the statements or announcement.
