MANILA, Philippines – Vice presidential candidate Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. got the support of local officials and wealthy, political clans in Mindanao when he visited the region for his campaign.
Marcos visited General Santos City, South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Davao del Norte and Davao City for his Unity Caravan in the past week.
He received the backing of members of the Floirendo clan, who lead the banana production business in the south.
The Floirendo family have been close friends of the Marcoses since the regime of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
Former Davao del Norte lawmaker Antonio Floirendo Jr. credited Marcos Sr. as the man behind the banana industry in the country.
But Floirendo clarified that even if his family is supporting Marcos, they are also supporting the presidential bid of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte. Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago is the presidential candidate and running mate of Marcos.
Marcos also got the support of Davao del Norte Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario, who told Davao del Norte provincial government employees that had it not been for Marcos Sr., he would not be in his position today.
Del Rosario said it was Marcos Sr. who encouraged him to run for a political office in 1978 and appointed him in 1984 as minister of natural resources.
“I owe a lot to the father of our Senator Bongbong Marcos. That is why I consider it a privilege to introduce to you all the son of my former boss. With your help and support, we may soon see him as the new vice president of our country,” he told government employees.