Rizal political kingpins back VP bid of Sen. Marcos, declare Rizal as Marcos country

Political kingpins of the province of Rizal, led by the Ynares family, today threw their support for the vice presidential bid of Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" R. Marcos, Jr. and his call for national unity as they declared that their province will forever be a "Marcos country".

Among those who welcomed the senator at the provincial capitol were Governor Rebecca Ynares, former governor Casimiro Ynares, Jr., Vice Governor Frisco San Juan, Jr., Antipolo City Mayor Casimiro "Jun" Ynares III, Antipolo 2nd District Rep. Romeo Acop, Antipolo 1st District Rep. Roberto "Robie" Puno and former Antipolo Mayor Angelito Gatlabayan.

In welcoming Marcos to the provincial capitol, Vice Gov. San Juan said the senator's visit is unnecessary since Rizal is close to the Marcos family. He noted that the Marcos family has done a lot to usher progress in the province.

"At makakaasa po kayo ang Rizalenos will forever remain a Marcos country," said San Juan.

Marcos, for his part, thanked the poltiical leaders of Rizal, as well as the employees of the provincial capitol for the warm welcome they gave him. "Napakainit ng salubong na ibinigay ninyo sa akin, nakakataba ng puso," said Marcos.

He said that in going around the country to campaign for his vice presidential bid he is also pushing his advocacy for unity of the country, noting that recent administrations have sown disunity in the country.

Marcos stressed that national unity is crucial in addressing the problems besetting the country today. He said it is encouraging to note that unity is evident in the province of Rizal, adding that the province serve as a good example he could cite in spreading the message of unity across the entire Phlippines.

"Tama po ang sinabi ni Vice Gov na malapit ang Rizal sa amin at malapit kami sa Rizal. Kaya hindi po mawawala sa isip ng inyong kandidato at ng pamilyang Marcos na talagang tumutulong at iniisip kung paano ang gagawin para mapaganda ang kabuhayan dito," he said.

Before visiting the provincial capitol Marcos took part at the flag-raising rites at the Antipolo city hall, where he was the guest speaker. Marcos also visited other Rizal towns such as Teresa, Morong, Tanay, Baras and Pililla and Jalajala.