Robredo endorsed by Misamis Oriental, Cavite local execs; NUP defied (Sabong News)

The Team Unity of Misamis Oriental and Cavite 4th District Rep. Elpidio “Pidi” Barzaga, president of the National Unity Party (NUP), endorsed the presidential bid of Vice President Leni Robredo, going against the party’s choice for president. Barzaga’s announcement on Saturday, March 26, and Team Unity’s press conference on Sunday, March 27, are a defiance of NUP’s decision to earlier endorse former Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Robredo’s rival and frontrunner in public opinion polls. Team Unity also endorsed Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte for vice president, supporting the RoSa (Robredo-Sara) movement brewing in Mindanao. In Dasmariñas, Barzaga’s wife, Mayor Jenny Barzaga, also endorsed the presidential daughter. “We look at the credibility of the candidates and Robredo is committed, virtuous, and principled,” Misamis Oriental 2nd District Rep. and gubernatorial bet Juliette Uy said in a press conference at the Unity Building in Villanueva, Misamis Oriental. Uy herself has worked closely with the Vice President during the latter’s stint as representative of Camarines Sur. Uy was joined by other members of her Team Unity slate, including 1st District congressional bet Karen Lagbas, 2nd District congressional aspirant Julio Uy, and the 24 mayors under their respective districts. “We believe Robredo will bring progress to the country. We choose whom we think is the best leader for the country,” said Team Unity vice gubernatorial bet Joey Pelaez. Julio Uy cited Robredo’s experience as a lawyer, economics graduate, and lawmaker, believing that she has more than enough knowledge and experience to lead the country. “She’s in touch with the grassroots. She’s a person worthy of our support. Before she became a public official, she’s already a public servant,” Villanueva mayor Jennie Uy-Mendez said, adding that Robredo has already been serving the poorest of the poor even before she entered politics. In the 2016 vice-presidential race, Robredo won in the province 147,884 votes against Marcos’ 102,991 votes, according to the Certificate of Canvass (COC). For the 2022 elections, Misamis Oriental, including Cagayan de Oro City, has 1,039,709 registered voters. Robredo also clinched the endorsements of the highly influential Barzaga couple of vote-rich Dasmariñas, which has more than 400,000 registered voters for the 2022 national polls. The endorsement from the Barzagas, formerly a Liberal Party (LP) member, is seen as a big hit against Cavite Governor Juanito Victor ‘Jonvic’ Remulla’s promise to deliver 800,000 votes to Marcos in the province. “As I analyzed all the qualifications and experience of all the candidates for president, only one has the experience in the three departments of our government. And that is Leni Robredo,” Barzaga said during the proclamation rally of his local coalition Team Dasma. “If we base (it on) her track record, naniwala ako (I believe) that she is the most qualified to be elected as president,” he added. “Kapag siya ang naging Pangulo, talagang magkakaroon tayo ng gobyernong tapat at aangat ang buhay ng lahat (If she becomes president, we will really have an honest government and everyone’s lives will improve).” He also cited Robredo’s experience in the executive as vice president, legislative as congressman, and judiciary as a lawyer. Earlier, Cavite 3rd District Rep. Alex Advincula also said he is likely to support Robredo’s presidential bid. He is now running as mayor of Imus. The RoSa movement has gained ground and support since the announcement of support from Albay 2nd District Rep. Joey Salceda, Zamboanga City Mayor Beng Climaco-Salazar, and Cagayan de Oro 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez. Robredo already held a mammoth grand rally in Cavite that drew a crowd of 47,000 supporters. She also visited Misamis Oriental in February.