Displaying full and solid support for the BBM-Sara UniTeam, Quezonians in red and green on Wednesday filled up the newly-built convention center in Tiaong, Quezon to attend the first event of the team’s campaign sortie in the province.
Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) standard-bearer Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. and his running-mate Mayor Inday Sara Duterte were overwhelmed by the huge turn-out of supporters for what was supposed to be just a mini-rally.
“Simula alas-singko pa lang kaninang umaga, marami nang nagdadatingang mga tao, mga naka-red and green. Bago mag-alas-sais halos punong-puno na, kaya maraming hindi na nakapasok kaya nandiyan na lang sila sa labas. Mula nang ginawa ito, ngayon lang ito napuno ng husto,” said a policewoman serving as marshal for the rally.
“Kahit walang artista, dadagsain pa rin namin ito dahil sina BBM ang gusto naming makita at marinig,” one of those in the crowd said.
The convention center was literally filled to the rafters even as thousands more were seen patiently monitoring the event outside the facility.
A marshal said the crowd had been attentive and responsive to the senatorial bets who started speaking on stage before Marcos and Sara arrived even though there was no showbiz personality on stage.
Singer-actor Andrew E., later on, hyped them up more when he rewarded them with several songs just before Duterte delivered her speech.
For his part, Quezon Gov. Danilo Suarez later affirmed his constituents’ eagerness and excitement to see Marcos when he introduced the survey frontrunner.
“Lalawigan ng Quezon, naritona ang pinakahihintay nating lahat – ang Tigre ng Norte. Ang susunod na pangulo ng Pilipinas, President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr.,” he said, which generated resounding cheers of support from the crowd.
Both Duterte and Marcos effusively expressed gratitude in their speeches.
“Maraming salamat sa inyong mainit na suporta. Punong-puno dito sa loob at meron pa kayong mga kasamahan na nasa labas, hindi na nakapasok. Nagulat ako dahil ang nakalagay sa program sa ‘kin mini-rally. Pero hindi naman siguro mini ito. Natutuwa ako dahil parang hindi na natapos ang Pasko dito sa Quezon dahil puro red and green ang nakikita ko,” Marcos said.
Former Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre and his wife Marissa were among the supporters who attended the political rally.
“Nandito kami ng asawa ko para ipakita ang aming suporta. Mula’t sapul maka-Marcos kami,” he said which was affirmed by his wife.
Aguirre also disclosed that he has started organizing a group of lawyers to ensure that Marcos and the UniTeam will not be cheated of their victory in May.
“Dapat siguruhin talaga na hindi na siya ulit madadaya, na hindi sila madadaya. Nagbuo nga ako ng group of lawyers para siguruhin ito, magbabantay ng boto. Vote protection. Sa ngayon sa headquarters sa Lucena at Lipa pa lang meron. Patuloy pa tayong nagre-recruit,” he said.
