Gordon welcomes 3 presidential bets' support for his 2022 Senate bid

Senator Richard J. Gordon today welcomed his inclusion as an official common candidate in the respective senatorial slates of three presidential candidates in his bid for a second term in the Senate this upcoming election on May 9, 2022.

Gordon, who chairs the Bagumbayan - Volunteers for New Philippines (BVNP), said he is grateful for the endorsement of presidential candidates, Vice President Leni Robredo and Senators Panfilo Lacson and Manny Pacquiao, for his re-election bid.

"I am grateful to Vice President Robredo, Senators Lacson and Pacquiao for choosing us to be part of their senatorial line-up. Clearly, this is an expression of their confidence and trust to our no-nonsense brand of leadership," he said.

"It is also a strong proof that they acknowledge the hardwork we do at the Senate, especially our relentless fight against government corruption despite the incessant attacks hurled against him for doing his sworn duty," he added.

Gordon, a lawyer by profession, chairs three committees in the Senate - the Committees on Accountability of Public Officers and Investigations (blue ribbon), on Justice and Human Rights, and on Government Corporations and Public Enterprises.

Robredo called Gordon as a key ally in the fight against corruption, the latest is the Senate probe on the alleged anomalous deals with Pharmally Pharmaceutical, an upstart company with links to former presidential economic adviser Michael Yang.

Due to his probing way of ferreting out the truth during Senate investigations, Gordon had been on the receiving end of brazen public attacks led by Mr. Duterte himself and his minions and paid trolls.

His inquiries did not go unnoticed as Gordon's recommendations in previous Senate Blue Ribbon investigations against the customs and immigration bureaus have led in the filing of charges of numerous former government officials and employees.

"Malinaw na hindi siya mananahimik laban sa kurapsyon," said Robredo, who introduced Gordon as the first senatorial candidate to add up to her earlier list of senatorial team.

"Matapang siyang sumasangga at nangunguna sa imbestigasyon ukol sa bilyong-bilyong pisong pondo ng gobyerno na napunta sa kwestiyonableng mga kontrata habang milyon-milyong Pilipino ang nag-aabang ng ayuda," she added.

Various personalities have likewise conveyed support for Gordon in his senate bid such as Far Eastern University (FEU) Institute of Law Dean Atty. Mel Sta. Maria, also a television and radio presenter, who said in a social media post that Gordon is the "most experienced" among the senatorial candidates.

Early this week, Senators Lacson and Pacquiao have also named Gordon in their respective senatorial slates. The three lawmakers have worked together during the 17th and 18th Congress.

Gordon, who is also a volunteer chairman of the Philippine Red Cross since 2004, said he believes that the endorsement of three presidential candidates can further boost his opportunities of serving the Filipinos more and better.

"Sa tulong ng ating mga kababayan, ang ating adhikain laban sa katiwalian ay magpapatuloy. Tayo ay gagawa ng mas maraming batas at imbestigasyon upang makapagbigay-ginhawa sa bawat pamilyang Pilipino," he said.

As a veteran lawmaker, Gordon has filed 116 Senate resolutions and 146 bills, 48 of which have become law. While in the Senate, he brought with him his rich experiences as former mayor of Olongapo City (1980-1986, 1988-1993), former chairman of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (1992-1998), and former tourism secretary (2001-2004).