Miriam dares Villar critics to fistfight

CEBU, Philippines - A star-studded grand rally in Cebu was launched last night by the Nacionalista Party headed by its standard-bearer Manuel Villar Jr. at the North Reclamation Area in Mandaue City.

Villar’s running mate Loren Legarda, senatorial bets Rep. Gilbert Remulla, Adel Tamano, Senator Pia Cayetano, Ramon Mitra, Rep. Liza Maza, Rep. Satur Ocampo, Susan Ople, Gwen Pimentel, Martin Querubin (son of Ariel Querubin), Rep. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and guest candidate, Senator Miram Defensor-Santiago also joined the grand rally.

Santiago was quick to get into her antics again, challenging all the critics of Villar to a fistfight.

“Salita sila nang salita wala namang nagawa. Gusto nila ng debate, kung gusto nila, suntukan na lang tayo,” Santiago said as the crowd kept chanting her name.

Santiago, a noted graft-buster said in her speech that if Villar will be elected as president Cebu will be the center of trade and commerce in the world as God will liberate the Filipino people from their “self-inflicted poverty”.

The event was hosted by singer Randy Santiago and movie actress and television host Valerie Concepcion.

Cayetano also announced her achievements in her six years as senator such as the Cheaper Medicine Law, the Expanded Senior Citizens Act and the Magna Carta for Women, among others.

Other guests included popular duo Aegis, rapper Andrew E., movie actress Christine Reyes and television personality Princess Ryan, among others.

Villar said the huge crowd indicates that many people believe in him and his advocacies.

“Ito ay indikasyon na marami na ang naniniwala sa atin. At panahon na para wakasan ang kahirapan,” Villar said. — Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/BRP (THE FREEMAN)