ILONGGO VOTES. Senator Manny Pacquiao arrives in Iloilo on Wednesday (March 30, 2022) for his campaign sorties. In a press conference, he vowed the proposed bridge connecting Iloilo and Guimaras will be realized if he wins. (Photo screengrab from Barkadahan sa Iloilo livestreaming)
ILOILO CITY – Senator Manny Pacquiao assured construction of the proposed bridge connecting Iloilo and Guimaras if he wins his presidential bid this May 9, 2022 elections.
The presidential hopeful, who arrived in Iloilo Wednesday together with his wife Jinkee for his campaign sorties, said the project will be realized because he will continue the "Build, Build, Build" program of the Duterte administration.
“Matutuloy yan dahil ipagpapatuloy natin ang 'Build, Build, Build' (BBB) program ni President Duterte dahil maganda talaga yan para sa bayan. Kasama po kasi ang infrastructure development sa economic growth kaya kailangan po talaga natin yan hindi lamang dito sa Iloilo, hanggang sa ka-Mindanaoan, at sa ibat-ibang sulok ng bansa (That will be realized because we will continue the 'Build, Build, Build' program of Presidente Duterte because that is good for our country. Infrastructure development is part of the economic growth so we need that not only here in Iloilo but even in Mindanao and other parts of the country),” he said in a press conference.
He added that Ilonggos will also be among those to benefit from the free housing, livelihood, and education programs that he has been implementing even before he joined politics.
If he wins, he will allot funds to implement those programs nationwide.
Pacquaio said that he will be making courtesy calls to Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. and Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas not necessarily to seek their support but as a sign of respect.
He will be meeting with various Christian communities, barangay residents, core groups, and his volunteers.
The senator said he is not expecting a large crowd in his sorties unlike the previous grand rallies of his political opponents.
“Ang aking pagpunta dito ay pangangampanya, hindi concert at pagbibida ng mga artista. Ang akin lamang ay marinig ako ng mga kababayan ko sa Iloilo na mga mahihirap. Kasi ang goal ko ay marinig ang kanilang mga hinaing na dapat nating tugunan pagdating ng panahon na tayo ay manalo (I came here to campaign not for concert and actors. I would like to hear our poor town mates in Iloilo. Because my goal is to listen to their concerns that we will respond to once we win),” he added.
The city and province of Iloilo have 1,628,752 registered voters in the May elections. (PNA)
