AN overwhelming number of local officials of vote-rich Cavite led by incoming Gov. Jesus Crispin Remulla have endorsed the senatorial bid of Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez for showing genuine compassion to the plight of the poor, championing good governance, and empowering local government units.
Romualdez, a lawyer and president of the Philippine Constitution Association, reiterated that LGU’s should be given a bigger share of the national budget as an act of “malasakit” for them to do more for their constituents.
“We must empower our LGUs and their sanggunians. Every region, province, city or municipality has the potential for progress and development with the right support from the national government and an equitable share in the budget,” said Romualdez, who ran unopposed in the last polls and a former chair of the House committee on ethics and privileges.
Remulla, who is running unopposed in the coming polls, called on the public to vote for Romualdez whose proven competence would help the country achieve inclusive growth to the benefit of poorest of the poor.
He cited the latest proposal of Romualdez, head of the House Independent Bloc and a three-term congressman who is running for the Senate, to institutionalize, expand and reform the conditional cash transfer by extending a maximum of P46,200 and a minimum of P24,200 financial support annually to each qualified household-beneficiary.
“His malasakit to the poorest of the poor is very commendable. His proven and impressive track record needs continuity in the Senate,” Remulla, elder brother of Cavite Gov. Jonvic Remulla, said.
Earlier, the influential Revilla clan led by Cavite Rep. Lani Mercado-Revilla, Cavite Vice Gov. Jolo Revilla and Bacoor City Mayor Strike Revilla also endorsed Romualdez whose key platforms are focus on improving jobs, health, education, agriculture and disaster preparedness.
Based on the date of the Commission on Elections, Cavite is the second vote-rich province next to Cebu, with 1.84 million registered voters.
Joining Boying Remulla in endorsing Romualdez during a meeting at Island Cove Resort in Kawit, Cavite were Mayors Renato Abutan of Rosario, Melandres De Sagun of Trece Martires City, Jun Dualan of Naic, Totie Paredes of Cavite City, Enrico Alvarez of Noveleta, Virgilio Vargas of Alfonso, Rey Rillo of Maragondon, Omil Poblete of Silang, Eric Vida of Mendez, Edwin Sisante of Magallanes, Herminio Uno of Ternate, Benjo Villanueva of Amadeo, Homer Saquilayan of Imus, Gilbert Gandia of Kawit, Benny Dimero of Indangm, Danny Bencito of Gen. Aguinaldo as well as Cavite political leaders.
Romualdez is a shared senatorial candidate of Vice President Jejomar Binay, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago who are all running for president and who has been endorsed by the 40-man Party-list Coalition Foundation Inc.; and the Nationalist People’s Coalition or the country’s second largest political party.
