Campaign for 2022 elections
In his final political rally, Sen. Manny Pacquiao, known for his rags-to-riches story, once again says that his presidential bid is the “revolution of the poor.” He made knocking out poverty and corruption the key themes of his campaign. — Gaea Katreena Cabico
The local rescue team and organizers say the crowd at presidential candidate Leni Robredo's miting de avance in Makati City has reached 780,000 as of 9 p.m.
The host announces that as of 8:15 p.m., the crowd at Vice President Leni Robredo's miting de avance in Makati City has reached 750,000. — Xave Gregorio
Presidential candidate Isko Moreno takes the stage for the first time tonight. Like most of his speeches, he starts his miting de avance recounting his childhood growing up in Tondo. — Franco Luna
The host announces that the crowd at the miting de avance of Vice President Leni has swelled to 450,000 — her biggest crowd ever. — Xave Gregorio
Pro-Duterte personalities including controversial blogger Mocha Uson and social media influencer Byron Cristobal or "Banat By" take the stage on Saturday to express their support to presidential candidate Isko Moreno during his miting de avance in Tondo, Manila.
Speculations from netizens spark whether Batangas 6th District representative Deputy Speaker Vilma Santos-Recto will endorse presidential candidate Vice President Leni Robredo after visiting the Star-for- All Season in her home in Lipa City last Saturday.
Robredo visited the Rectos before their grand rally in Bauan town, which gathered around 280,000 supporters.
Netizens reacted on Twitter's #AteVi in a photo release showing Vilma welcoming Robredo when they had lunch with Senator Ralph Recto and Senator Kiko Pangilinan.
Sen. Recto heads One Batangas party and has earlier endorsed Manila Mayor Isko Moreno for president, promising him 1 million votes from the province.
In a phone interview, when asked if welcoming VP Leni in their home today translates to her support for Robredo’s presidential bid, Vilma said “Boboto po ako ayon sa paniniwala ko. We need a leader with vision , action and can inspire people… I don’t believe in branding.” — The STAR/Arnell Ozaeta
Officials of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao commit to supporting Bongbong Marcos Jr. weeks ahead of the presidential elections.
"If we succeed in winning this election, I appeal to you all to assist and to help... I said thank you so many times but I feel it's still not enough," Marcos says.
"Please remember, I am a very grateful man," he adds as he concludes his speech. (Photo: Live stream screenshot)
Sen. Panfilo Lacson, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, former defense secretary Norberto Gonzales hold a joint presser to stress that they are not withdrawing from the presidential race despite supposed calls from the campaign of Vice President Leni Robredo for them to drop out.
The Robredo campaign has denied these attempts, saying these did not come from them.
A Pulse Asia survey conducted from March 17 to 21 shows that presidential race frontrunner Bongbong Marcos dropped four percentage points to 56%, while his archrival, Vice President Leni Robredo, surged nine percentage points to 24%.
Robredo's spokesperson, Barry Gutierrez, says latest survey shows the tide is turning in their favor.
"The survey numbers are starting to reflect what we have been seeing on the ground all along," Gutierrez says. — Xave Gregorio
Former senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. calls for unity among Filipinos and vows to continue the Build, Build, Build program of the Duterte administration to help uplift the economy of the country.
Marcos makes his proclamation during his grand rally Tuesday in Zamboanga City at the Summit Center, a 17,000-capacity gymnasium following a caravan that caused a traffic in main routes.
“We have seen how united the people here despite of the diversified culture. Our call is for the unity. Unity is the first step for us to recover back to a better situation from the pandemic which affected our economy,” Marcos says in Filipino. — The STAR/Roel Pareño
Partido Reporma announces that it is now supporting the bid of Vice President Leni Robredo for presidency.
"We reasonably believe that the only realistic option at this point, with roughly a month and a half left, is to converge with Leni Robredo’s campaign. Together, we will pursue the realization of our collective aspirations to improve the chances of ordinary Filipinos at a better life," Partido Reporma President and former House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez says in a statement.
Presidential candidate Panfilo "Ping" Lacson resigns from Partido Reporma, making him an independent candidate.
A UniTeam rally for the tandem of presidential aspirant Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio in Marikina over the weekend was a great success, the campaign said, saying also that it was attended by "hundreds of thousands of BBM-Sara supporters, according to the estimates of the Philippine National Police (PNP)-Marikina."
The campaign also said that "the heavy rain failed to dampen the enthusiasm of UniTeam supporters as they opted to stay and patiently waited for the arrival of Marcos, his running-mate Inday Sara Duterte and their senatorial slate."
"Marcos did not disappoint them, and the cheering crowd cheered at him like he was a rock star and listened intently to every word that he said especially on his message about unity and his promise of healing leadership," Marcos' media bureau also said.
Former Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares, a candidate for senator, will be dropping by Pasig City, where a rally for Vice President Leni Robredo and Sen. Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan is scheduled for Sunday afternoon.
He says, however, that he might not have a chance to speak to the crowd. He has been included in pre-program activities at Robredo-Pangilinan sorties in the Visayas.
When asked why he decided to run for the presidency, Marcos replies he was looking at candidates' platforms for COVID-19 and economy and he thought: "Hindi ata napag-isipan nang mabuti yung plataporma." — Kristine Joy Patag
Presidential bet Bongbong Marcos' pre-recorded interview with Erwin Tulfo and PCOO Sec. Martin Andanar starts streaming, an hour before the Comelec presidential debates.
Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno arrives and is asked about disinformation networks linked to Mocha Uson, who endorsed him last night.
He brushes it off, says she can defend herself against cases filed. Says his campaign needs all the help it can get.
Earlier, Uson, a popular pro-Duterte vlogger turned government official, likened Moreno to a young Duterte. The president himself has not yet endorsed his chosen successor.
— Reports from Franco Luna
The Marcos campaign claims that "over 100" former high-ranking police and military officials have issued a statement of support for the candidacy of former Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The campaign did not release the text of the statement or a list of signatories, but mentioned the following as having signed it:
Former Armed Forces of the Philippines chiefs
- Roy Cimatu
- Benjamin Defensor Jr.
- Dionisio Santiago
- Felimon Santos
Former Philippine National Police chief
- Avelino Razon Jr.
Former Philippine Coast Guard chiefs
- Damian Carlos
- Danilo Abinoja
Medal of Valor awardees
- Ariel Querubin
- Noel Buan
- Roberto Salvador
- Hilario Estrella
- Bienvenido Fajemolin
- Leopoldo Diokno
- Lucio Curig
- Roy Cuenca
- Francisco Granpil
In its release, the Marcos campaign also pushed the narrative that Vice President Leni Robredo has entered into an alliance with the New People's Army.
Robredo has rejected the allegation, which was first floated by a Cavite congressman, and has been picked up by Sen. Panfilo "Ping" Lacson, President Rodrigo Duterte and the anti-communist National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.
Bayan Muna condemns the shooting of Larry Villegas, its coordinator in General Santos, saying it it related to recent attacks against activists by "undemocratic forces".
Villegas is also the chairperson of a local transport group and has been preparing for campaign activities for tha party-list. Bayan Muna is part of the Makabayan bloc, which has endorsed Vice President Leni Robredo and her running mate Sen. Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan in the May elections.
"As the May 9, elections draws near these attacks against the opposition are intensifying, especially the Makabayan bloc who are also all out in the campaign to support the Leni-Kiko tandem to defeat the Marcos-Duterte alliance in the elections," Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate says in a release.
The camp of Bongbong Marcos Jr. issues a statement regarding Vice President Leni Robredo's "neutral" satisfaction rating a day after the grand rally of her rival in Bacolod.
The said survey of SWS was conducted in December 2021 but was only released Friday.
The camp of presidential aspirant Norberto Gonzales announces that its mobilization campaign has been cancelled.
"After a strategic meeting with Former Sec Gonzales, we have decided to cancel the March 5 event at the World Trade Center," says Team PNBG.
"In its stead, similar activities will be conducted nationwide. We sincerely apologize and we look forward to seeing you soon! God bless!" it adds.
As closing statement, the candidates are being asked whether they are ready to assume the presidency should an emergency happen.
Vice presidential candidates give their take on dealing with systemic corruption.
Candidates are being asked how much additional income will they charge Filipino billionaires.
Senate President Tito Sotto replies that he has not thought about a Marcos-Sotto administration.
Candidates are being asked on how they can ensure equal opportunity for those who will run for public office.
The vice presidential candidates answer whether they will rejoin the International Criminal Court.
The candidates are being asked about their track record to combat graft and corruption.
Vice presidential candidates provide solutions on how the consumers cope with rising fuel prices.
Sen. Kiko Pangalinan answers if he's ready to take the maritime dispute to another level.
Walden Bello slams Senate President Tito Sotto and Sen. Kiko Pangilinan for Retail Trade Liberalization Law, which opens up Philippine economy for foreign investors
Vice presidential candidates answer the answer: How will you help MSMEs struggling from the pandemic?
Senate President Tito Sotto is being asked on his stand on the Senate Blue Ribbon Committe report on Pharmally.
Vice presidential candidates give their answer on pandemic response should they be elected.
Vice presidential aspirant Tito Sotto wants to head Dangerous Drug Board and DILG if elected in the May 2022 polls.
Walden Bello calls out Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte for choosing not to participate in the debates.
"Mayor Sara Duterte why are you not here to defend your positions?" he asks.
Vice presidential candidates answer the question: Which Cabinet position will you pick?
Seven out of nine vice presidential candidates are present, particularly Walden Bello, Rizalito David, Manny Lopez, Dr. Willie Ong, Kiko Pangilinan, Carlos Serapio and Tito Sotto.
The first debate among vice presidential candidates for the May 2022 polls begins.
Vic Rodriguez, spokesperson of presidential candidate Bongbong Marcos, says they have yet to confirm their participation in the Comelec-sponsored debate on March 19.
"His participation in the said event, which will be held at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan will only be confirmed if his hectic campaign schedules permit," Rodriguez says. — Kristine Joy Patag
Presidential bet Bongbong Marcos will attend the Comelec's debate on March 19, the poll body confirms, according to a report from News5.
With Marcos' confirmation, all 10 presidential bets will be attending the Comelec-sanctioned debate.
Vice President Leni Robredo’s bid gets the endorsement of past presidents of the Philippine Bar Association, the oldest volunteer organization for lawyers in the country.
The list of signatories includes former ombudsman Simeon Marcelo, Avelino Cruz Jr., one of the founding partners of ACCRA Law. — Kristine Joy Patag
Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong has endorsed Sen. Panfilo Lacson and Senate President Vicente Sotto III, who are running for president and for vice president, respectively.
Lacson and Magalong are both from the Philippine Military Academy and both were in the Philippine National Police before going into politics.
Magsasaka party-list and the Federation of Free Farmers have thrown their support behind reelectionist Sen. Risa Hontiveros, according to a statement from her office.
"I am humbled that our farmers expressed their support and put their trust in me. Hindi lang ito basta suporta kundi pagtaya at pagbabahagi nila sa akin ng kanilang kinabukasan. Hinding-hindi ko sisirain ang tiwalang ibinigay ninyo sa akin," she says.
"Higit sa pasasalamat ay ang pangako kong makikipagtulungan sa mga magsasaka, mangingisda at kanilang mga pamilya na mapaunlad ang agrikultura para makapagbigay ng disenteng hanapbuhay at food security sa bansa."
Fisherfolk and farmers are among the poorest sectors in the Philippines. Although they are often hailed for providing food, government support for them has often been lacking.
Policies like the importation of rice and fish have also been weakening the sectors, groups like Pamalakaya that call for funding and services to improve local production say.
The camp of presidential candidate Norbeto Gonzales says they have cancelled his proclamation rally set on Feb. 19, 2022.
Instead, the team plans to launch a mobilization campaign on March 5.
“Meron pa po tayong mga ilang lingo na natitira bago tayo magkaroon ng eleksyon. Sana po ito ay maging sapat na panahon upang mapakita natin unang-una ang sakit ng pamumulitika sa Pilipinas. Pangalawa, sakaling tayo ay magkaroon ng matitinong leaders, maipakita sa inyo kung saan patungo ang ating lipunan", says Gonzales in a statement.
"Umaasa po ako, sa ating mga kabataan- lalo na sila ay sasama sa isang pag-kilos na ang iniisip ay ang bukas, ang tamang bukas,na hindi nakasalalay sa isa o dalawang tao lamang kung hindi ay nakasalalay sa pinagsama-sama nating talino, kakayahan," he adds.
Sen. Richard Gordon and former Vice President Jejomar Binay have not been dropped from the senatorial ticket of the Lacson-Sotto campaign, Sen. Panfilo Lacson says.
"As far as [Senate President Vicente III] Sotto and I are concerned, they continue to honor our gentlemen’s agreement unlike the two that we have dropped earlier," Lacson, who is running for president, says in a tweet.
The tandem previoiusly dropped Sen. Sherwin "Win" Gatchalian and former Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista after they attended the proclamation rally of. and endorsed presidential aspirant Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.
The camp of Vice President Leni Robredo apologizes for the "sheer number of people" that attended a "Pink Sunday" event organized by supporters of the presidential bet and her running mate Sen. Francis Pangilinan.
The Quezon City government expressed concern over a "spillover crowd" in a "Pink Sunday" event organized by supporters of Robredo and Sen. Francis Pangilinan in the vote-rich city.
"While the organizers ensured that access to the immediate vicinity of the program proper was limited, and that all attendees were advised to bring vaccination cards and observe health protocols, the sheer number of people that arrived was a challenge, for which we apologize," Robredo's spokesperson Barry Gutierrez says.
Campaign Against the Return of the Marcoses and Martial Law (CARMMA) says presidential aspirant Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s platform call for "unity" may just mean moving on from corruption and rights violations.
"[W]e dare ask: unity for whom? And how can the unrepentant children of two dictators claim love of country after all their crimes against the Filipino people?" the group says in a statement.
"Marcos Jr. talks smack of unity. It is clear, however, that his is the unity of despots and political dynasties, unity of human rights violators and for impunity, unity of those who refuse to reveal their SALNs, unity of those spreading lies and fake news, unity of those who masterminded the closure of ABS-CBN not once but twice, and unity of those for the sell out of Philippine sovereignty," the group also says.
The launch of presidential campaigns of the top five candidates concluded last night. Review the reports here:
Former Sen. Bongbong Marcos and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio kick off their campaign at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan.
Senatorial bets former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque and former Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro are also present in the event.
UniTeam tandem Bongbong Marcos and Sara Duterte show up on stage briefly. They only wave to supporters. Toni Gonzaga says they will deliver their message later. @PhilstarNews pic.twitter.com/OGwemmp6Sb
— Kristine Patag (@kristinepatag) February 8, 2022
Manila Mayor Isko Moreno leads a caravan of his supporters as campaign season kicks off Tuesday.
Lawyer Vic Rodriguez says the camp of presidential aspirant Bongbong Marcos is still in the process of completing their senatorial slate for the 2022 elections.
"We would like to complete the 12 but we are still in the process of finalizing who gets the last slot. Of course more than the 12 eh lahat gustong sumama, at marami na ring tumutugion sa panawagan ni BBM na pambansang pagkakaisa," says Rodriguez.
When asked whether President Rodrigo Duterte will attend the proclamation rally, Rodriguez replies: "Hindi kami nakapag reach out kay PRRD dahil alam naman ninyo na kaka positive lang."
"I think hindi naman tama na obligahin natin ang ating pangulo na unang una, mainvolve sa political exercise na ito, at mindful din kami sa health and safety ni president sapagkat ilang araw lamang ang nakalipas nang sya ay nagpositibo sa COVID-19," he adds.
The campaign season for the 2022 elections officially starts on February 8 until May 7. Bookmark this page for updates. Photo courtesy of The STAR/Miguel de Guzman
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