GUIMBAL, Iloilo – With less than a week before the May 9 elections, presidential front runner Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. urged voters to support UniTeam candidates even after the polls and help unite the country.

In his speech during the “Miting de Avance” for the Visayas, held at the Guimbal Football Field in Barangay Bagumbayan here Tuesday, Marcos told his supporters that they hold in their hands the country’s future.

“This coming Monday, the future of our beloved Philippines is in your hands. This coming Monday, it is in your hands what direction, where we will take the Philippines, what we want to be the future of the Filipinos, where we will take the Philippines for the next five years, for the next 10 years, in the next 20 years,” he said.

The “Miting de Avance” was the UniTeam’s first. Its next stop is the Tagum City Hall grounds in Davao del Norte province for Mindanao on May 5 and in Parañaque for Luzon on May 7.

Even beyond the elections, support from the people should continue to ensure unity among Filipinos, Marcos said.

“Let us join hands. Even after the election, even after your decision on who will lead. Let us not stop here in our ongoing unity movement,” the former senator said. “Our beloved Philippines still needs your help, to each other, your love for each other, your ability, diligence, and sacrifice and work to beautify the Philippines.”

In her speech, Marcos’ running mate Davao City Mayor Sara Z. Duterte also called on the voters to support the UniTeam’s senatorial slate.

“If you vote for UniTeam Marcos and Duterte, we ask you to vote for UniTeam senators,” Duterte said. “Compatriots, I am Sara Duterte, I am asking for your help and support (in) being the vice president of our country.”

Marcos, Duterte, and UniTeam senatorial candidates were welcomed by the Garins, an influential political force in the province, led by Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin, Guimbal Mayor Jennifer Garin, Iloilo congressional candidate and former representative Ferjenel Biron, and other local allies.

The UniTeam Senate bets are Harry Roque, Sherwin Gatchalian, Larry Gadon, Jinggoy Estrada, Juan Miguel Zubiri, Gringo Honasan, Herbert Bautista, Gilbert Teodoro, Loren Legarda, Mark Villar and Robin Padilla.

Former representative Rodante Marcoleta has withdrawn his candidacy. (PNA)