Various groups in Mindanao shift support for Leni-Kiko

MANILA — Various groups in Mindanao who were former supporters of different presidential candidates on Wednesday expressed support to the Leni Robredo-Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan tandem.

These groups are the Rebolusyonaryong Alyansang Makabansa (RAM), First Community Cooperatives Foundation, Mindanao Women Advocacy, and IMK Leni para sa Bayan.

Representatives of these groups raised Pangilinan’s hand on Wednesday in Cagayan de Oro.

“In my three (terms) in the Senate, I won here in Cagayan (de Oro). Nagtiwala ang mga tao (People trusted me),” Pangilinan said in a press conference.

“If the voters want good governance, food security, then (ako siguro ako) maybe I, among the vice presidential candidates, ang pupwede nilang pagbigyan (can be chosen),” he added.

Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar Moreno said Pangilinan is the best candidate who could truly support a Robredo presidency.

“(Robredo) cannot do it alone, and needs support. So Kiko Pangilinan is important as her vice president,” he said.

He added that the country’s problems on health and economy could be very complex, saying addressing these would need teamwork and harmony.

“Consult your higher officials and your peers. Chemistry is important,” Moreno said, adding that the country needs an administration that can unite people and can focus on the problems the country is dealing with.

Leaders should be those who can inspire people, Moreno noted.

“(I see that) Robredo is the only person who can lead our country now,” he said.

Pangilinan, meanwhile, appealed to Mindanaoans to grab the opportunity to have the region directly benefit from the agriculture sector.

“Let us vote for someone who has a track record in agriculture, and who has been prioritizing agriculture because Mindanao will greatly benefit as the island has a huge potential for agriculture. Mindanao will play a very important role in addressing poverty and hunger,” he said.

Under a Robredo presidency, Pangilinan said food security, farmers, and fishers would be among the priorities.

Doubling the agriculture budget would also entice investors, he said.