Marcos never left us, he deserves my support — Rep. Villar

He stayed with us in our family's most difficult time so he deserves my support.

Las Piñas City Rep. Mark Villar made this statement Wednesday as he openly expressed support to the candidacy for vice president of Sen. Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.

The congressman, son of former Senate President and Speaker Manny Villar and Sen. Cynthia Villar, was with Marcos when he dropped by the Parañaque City Hall during a campaign sortie.

The young Villar's declaration virtually broke his mother's statement that the Nacionalista Party will support all three party members who are running for vice president. 

Marcos as well as fellow vice presidential candidates, Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Antonio Trillanes IV, are members of the NP.

Senator Villar however, said that while the NP has declared a "free zone" in the vice presidential contest, members are free to choose who among the three to support.

Congressman Villar said Marcos was among the “few friends” who remained at his family’s side “at the most difficult moment” when his father ran for president in 2010 and lost to then fellow senator Benigno Aquino III.

“That is the one thing we could never forget. Senator Bongbong, thank you very much and of course you can always count on our support not just as a party mate but also as an extended family,” Rep. Villar said.

“Like I said, you’re not just a friend but a member of family. We will always be here for your as you have been here for us,” he added.

The Marcos family was among those who backed the elder Villar's unsuccessful presidential bid in 2010.

The once powerful Kilusang Bagong Lipunan, which was founded by the late President Ferdinand Marcos, coalesced with Villar's NP in 2010 paving the way for Bongbong to run for senator under the NP slate.

Aside from the younger Villar, his uncle — Las Piñas Mayor Vergel “Nene” Aguilar — also pledged his support to Marcos.

Villar and Aguilar also endorsed the senatorial bid of Marcos’ cousin Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.

Marcos said that with the endorsement of Villar and Aguilar, he hopes to get the support of the majority of the 350,000 registered voters in Las Piñas City. — APG, GMA News