Marcos, Duterte launch campaign at Philippine Arena

“Unity. Unity. Unity.”

This was the central message of presidential aspirant Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s 20-minute speech at a campaign rally with running mate Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan on Tuesday, February 8.

Watch Marcos-Duterte proclamation rally here

Speaking before thousands of supporters clad in red and green, Marcos highlighted the importance of unity, describing it as the “first step” in addressing the COVID-19 crisis.

Photo courtesy of Bongbong Marcos official Facebook page

“Ang pagkakaisa ay naging adhikain ko dahil sa aking tapat na paniniwala na ang pagkakaisa ay ang unang hakbang upang tayo ay makaraos na dito sa gitna ng krisis kung nasaan tayo, sa gitna ng krisis ng pandemya, sa gitna ng krisis ng ekonomiya na dala rin ng pandemya,” he said.

Marcos also said he does not engage in word wars with other candidates.

“Nasa puso at ugali ng mga Pilipino ang maging mabait. Di naman tayo pala-away, di naman tayo naghahanap ng gulo. Ang hanap lang natin ay magkaroon ng disenteng buhay para sa ating sarili, para sa ating pamilya at para sa ating bansa,” Marcos said.

However, the speech of the late dictator’s son is bereft of solid and specific plans should he win the presidency.

Photo courtesy of Bongbong Marcos official Facebook page

It was Duterte who laid down some of tandem’s platforms such as employment, livelihood, quality education, and peaceful life.

“We can do better. The government can do better. We shall stand tall, united and resilient,” said the presidential daughter.

Marcos opened his speech reiterating his praise for Duterte and that their tandem is a proof of unity they have been calling for ever since the start of their campaign.

Both Marcos and Duterte led a Social Weather Stations voter preference survey in December last year.

Photo courtesy of Bongbong Marcos official Facebook page

Also physically present during the rally were the senatorial ticket of the tandem such as Harry Roque, Gibo Teodoro, Win Gatchalian, Migz Zubiri, Herbert Bautista, Mark Villar, Larry Gadon, Jinggoy Estrada, and Rodante Marcoleta.

The Revillas, a popular political clan in Cavite and allies of the Marcos-Duterte tandem, joined the audience of the event.