MANILA - Aksyon Demokratiko (Aksyon) the party
founded by the late Sen. Raul S. Roco, has endorsed the senatorial candidacies
of former Akbayan Rep. Risa Hontiveros and former National Youth Commission
Chairman Bam Aquino, both of Team PNoy. In a jam packed press conference held
at The Lounge in Quezon City.
Atty. Bobbit Roco, son
of the late senator read in a statement that Hontiveros and Aquino epitomizes
what the party has always stood for; honest governance, women's rights and
youth empowerment.
According to Aksyon's
acting president, his late father would have been proud to associate the party
he founded with Risa Hontiveros as she has consistently shown passion in
championing women's rights and being the voice of the poor and marginalized.
Risa Hontiveros was present and graciously accepted the endorsement saying that
she has fought along with Aksyon and the late senator in the many battles
against corruption and honest governance.
Also present during
the press conference were chairs of different chapters of Aksyon from the
provinces of Cavite, Rizal, Sorsogon, Davao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Bataan,
Isabela and Tarlac and the cities of Mandaluyong, Quezon and Paranaque.
Aksyon candidates from different parts of the country including Mandaluyong
Vice Mayor Danny de Guzman who is contesting the mayoral post against Benhur
Abalos were also around.
Vice Mayor de Guzman
denounced LP Mandaluyong's chairman, Rep Boyet Gonzales for stopping them in
campaigning for Team PNoy in the city. He also lamented the lack of facilities,
equipment and medicines of the city's hospital that made access to quality
health care difficult for their constituencies and reiterated that when he
assume as mayor, health care for the poor will be one of his prioritIes.
Carlito Padaca Jr,
brother of Aksyon gubernatorial candidate Mario Angelo Padaca of Isabela and
COMELEC Commissioner Grace Padaca tearfully recounted how Aksyon and Sen Roco
had helped his sister become governor in 2004 against the Dy dynasty of
Isabela. Norbin Cuerpo, representing Rodriguez, Rizal mayoralty candidate
Roy Cuerpo for his part reiterated what his father, former Monatalban
mayor Ping Cuerpo has fought for when he was still executive of the town,
access to the management of the landfill. This is in light of the recent
tragedy where at least four persons were buried alive in the mountain of
rubbish.
The young Cuerpo also
alleged that there were more than four casualties.
Leaders and candidates
present vowed to ensure the victory of Risa Hontiveros and Bam Aquino in the
upcoming May polls.
