Inquirer Visayas: Thousands join Sinulog; pols make appearance
Jan 18th
By Jhunnex Napallacan, Chito O. Aragon
Inquirer Visayas – from this article
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Politicians seeking national posts unabashedly did their sorties and took advantage of the tens of thousands of people, who packed the streets of the city for the world-famous Sinulog Festival on Sunday.
Six million to 8 million people watched the 30th Sinulog grand parade despite the incessant rain, according to police. And where the crowd were, the politicians were not far behind.
Leading the pack of candidates, who made sure their faces registered with the crowd were Nacionalista Party presidential candidate Senator Manny Villar, his running mate Sen. Loren Legarda and members of his senatorial slate—lawyer Adel Tamano, Representative Bongbong Marcos, party-list Rep. Satur Ocampo, former Rep. Gilbert Remulla, Susan Ople and Gwen Pimentel.
Villar and his party even broke the security line and shook hands with spectators.
Villar’s party had just arrived from Kalibo town in Aklan where they also took part in the Ati-Atihan Festival, held on the same day as the Sinulog and also in honor of Sto. Niño, Cebu’s patron saint.
Manila Bulletin: Misuari, Padilla back Tamano bid
Jan 18th
By ALI G. MACABALANG
Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) chairman Nur Misuari and actor Robin Padilla have joined prominent Christian politicians in endorsing the candidacy of Nacionalista Party senatorial bet Adel Tamano, who pursues a bandwagon for renewed Muslim representation to the Senate.
In a handwritten note to Tamano dated Dec. 9, Padilla, who has embraced Islam with “Abdulaziz” as his Muslim name, wished the young lawyer and former opposition spokesman well in his political journey.
“May Allah guide you and give you success,” Padilla’s note read.
Tamano expressed his gratitude to Padilla for his show of support, saying: “I am extremely grateful to Robin for his trust and confidence. Rest assured that I would continue to protect not only the rights of our fellow Muslims but of all Filipinos. Hopefully, if I get the privilege to serve in the Senate, I will help foster peace and acceptance.”