Presidential candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and his running-mate Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte called for unity as the country continues to grapple with Covid-19 pandemic during the UniTeam’s proclamation rally attended by an estimated 30,000 supporters at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan on Tuesday night.

In front of supporters, Marcos expressed his gratitude to Duterte for agreeing to be his running-mate, describing her as competent and “having a firm grasp of her vision for the country”.

“Ako ang pinakamapalad na presidential candidate sa aking palagay dahil ang nakasama ko bilang bise presidente ay si Mayor Sara Duterte, pinakamagaling, pinakamahusay at higit sa lahat ay may paninindigan sa kanyang mga pangarap at hangarin para sa ating bansang Pilipinas (In my opinion, I am the luckiest presidential candidate because my running-mate as vice president Mayor Sara Duterte, the best and most of all has a commitment to her dreams and aspirations for our country),” he said.

Continuing with his call to unite, Marcos said all “he wanted is a decent means for every Filipino to earn for his family and to live dignified lives.”

“Doon po kami nagkasundo kaagad noong aming pinag-usapan kung ano ba ang mga pangangailangan, ano ba ang mga dapat gawin, para tayong mga Pilipino ay makabangon na sa krisis na ating pinagdadaanan, ang krisis ng pandemya at ang krisis ng ekonomiya (There we agreed immediately when we discussed what the needs, what should be done, so that we Filipinos can recover from the crisis we are going through, the pandemic crisis, and the economic crisis),” he said.

Marcos rallied his supporters to believe that everyone should be involved in a movement for unity.

“Siguro naman kung hindi man tayo magkasundo sa maraming bagay, sana ay magkasundo tayo sa paniniwalang kakayanin natin ito para naman kung haharap tayo sa buong mundo ay maisisigaw natin na ako ay Pilipino, taas noo kahit kanino (Though we don’t agree on many things, I hope we can agree on the belief that we can handle it so that we can face the world, we can proudly shout that I am a Filipino),” he added.

Duterte said it would be easier to achieve unity if everyone will treat each other equally and fairly.

“Sa aking paglilingkod, ginagawa ko ang aking natutunan mula sa aking mga magulang na dapat pantay-pantay ang lahat (In my service, I do what I’ve learned from my parents to treat everyone equally),” she said in her speech. “That in all things that should be for God, country and family.”

She also called for unity and resiliency amid experiencing calamities and facing the prevailing impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We shall move forward, we will live with Covid and we will bounce back like never before,” she added.

Duterte also said she believes in Bongbong Marcos’ leadership skills, which were “proven by his extensive experience as a local chief executive and as a legislator.”

“That crane experience we need, not only sustain the growth and development spurred by the current administration but also bring us to a more prosperous future. We must protect President Bongbong Marcos,” she added.

“We offered you a tandem endowed with wisdom and experience.”

She said she would push for sustainable jobs and livelihood for more Filipinos, quality education for students, and peaceful life for all.

“Tatlo lang, pero hindi madali. At hindi po tayo susuko. Magpupursigi po tayo dahil mahal natin ang Pilipinas (Only three things, but it’s not easy. But we will not give up. We will persevere because we love the Philippines,” she said.

As expected, a throng of adoring supporters trooped to the Philippine Arena to witness the proclamation of Marcos Jr. and Duterte, and the UniTeam’s senatorial ticket in a massive show of force to kick off their campaign for the May 2022 Elections.

Traffic was heavy on the northbound lane of the North Luzon Expressway as early as 10 a.m., with all kinds of vehicles making a beeline to the designated entrances of the world’s biggest indoor arena to
send off their candidates as the campaign season officially begins.

At least 25,000 seats were reserved for guests and VIPs in the 55,000 seating capacity venue, but crowd estimate went as high as 30 thousand even before the program started as organizers decided to allow the crowd that was gathering outside after the rain fell.

Celebrity host Toni Gonzaga repeatedly reminded all those present inside the venue to observe health protocols while ushers were busy doing the rounds to make sure that everyone was observing proper distancing.

While all the other candidates opted to hold their proclamation rallies in their respective bailiwicks, the BBM-Sara UniTeam chose the Philippine Arena, away from their own turfs and comfort zone, in an act of confidence that was bolstered by their consistent showing in all the reputable surveys. (PNA)