Villar’s son, FEJODAP, EDSA generals show up at Bongbong’s HQ

A son of Nacionalista Party president former Senator Manny Villar was among those present when vice presidential candidate Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. inaugurated his campaign headquarters in Mandaluyong City on Thursday.

Las Piñas City Representative Mark Villar joined other personalities from across the political spectrum, including those from transport groups FEJODAP and ACTO, and former military officers that figured in the EDSA Revolution that ousted his father and namesake in 1986.

Marcos is a member of the NP but two other members are running for the same position—Senator Antonio Trillanes IV and Senator Alan Peter Cayetano.

“I welcome any expression of support, any help that anyone is willing to give us. Ako ay nagpapasalamat sa kanilang ipinapakitang suporta sa akin,” Marcos said after the blessing of his headquarters located at the Prudential Life building on EDSA.

Marcos said the show of support of various groups and political personalities from opposing camps is an indication that his message of national unity is “gaining momentum”.

Marcos in his campaign kick-off in Ilocos Norte on February 9 had declared that the core value of his platform of governance is unity and empowerment of the Filipino people.

Aside from Villar, other personalities present from mainstream politics include Mandaluyong City Mayor Benhur Abalos, former House Speaker Prospero “Boy” Nograles of Davao City; Santiago, Isabela Mayor Amy Navarro; Pandan, Antique Mayor Jonathan Tan; and former Valenzuela Vice Mayor Jing Hernandez.

Also present was George Balagtas, chairman of Kilusang Bagong Lipunan (KBL), the political party founded by the late strongman Marcos in the 1970s.

Leaders of the Umayamnon tribe in Bukidnon also attended the event.

Transport group leaders Zeny Maranan of the Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (FEJODAP), Roberto Martin of Pasang Masda, Efren De Luna of the Association of Concerned Transport Organizations (ACTO) and Lando Marquez of Liga ng Transportasyon at Operators sa Pilipinas (LTOP), all came in red, the campaign color of Marcos.

FEJODAP was one of the transport groups that held protests during the Marcos administration in the 1980s.

After the blessing of the headquarters, transport groups leaders raised Marcos’ hands to signal their official endorsement of the senator’s bid for vice presidency.

Also present during the inauguration were two former rebel soldiers, namely, retired Army Lt. Col. Alexander Noble and Col. Proceso Maligalig. The two were among the principal players in the 1986 EDSA people power revolt that ousted Marcos Sr. and catapulted the late Corazon Aquino into presidency.

In a short interview with reporters, both military leaders said they were supporting the candidacy of Marcos Jr. because of his track record in government service and the supposed lack of positive change 30 years after the EDSA revolution.

Also present during the event was the noted historian Rolando Quintos, brother of Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita  “Ging” Quintos-Deles.

Marcos had earlier secured the endorsement of the politically influential Eusebio family of Pasig City, San Juan City Mayor Guia Gomez, former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson, incumbent Pangasinan governor Amado Espino Jr. and gubernatorial aspirant Mark Cojuangco, incumbent San Fernando City, La Union mayor Pablo Ortega and gubernatorial aspirant Mario Ortega. -NB, GMA News