Pangilinan to 'Andy' local politicos: May oras pa! Manindigan na kayo sa isang gobyernong tapat

PULONG BUHANGIN, BULACAN -- Six days before the elections, vice-presidential aspirant Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan on Monday sent a serious challenge to local leaders who remain mum about who they will support for the two highest positions in the country, saying there is still time to make public their stance.

"Sa ating mga kapwa politiko, nakikiusap ako, huwag na tayong lumaro. Manindigan na tayo. May oras pa. Ang taumbayan maliwanag na tumataya na," said Pangilinan today during his visit in this town, one of the two provinces he is scheduled to barnstorm.

"Ang ating mga kapwa politiko, nakikiusap ako, mayroon nang tumataya pero iyong iba nag-iisip pa. Tumaya na din kayo, mga kapwa ko politiko. Hindi maaaring gumigitna dito. Hindi maaaring suma-sideline. Ang lider tumataya, naninindigan, at pinapakita ang kanyang posisyon," he added.

Citing the principled and firm stance of people in various campaign caravans, Pangilinan reminded local leaders that there is no place for playing safe in an election that will dictate the country's fate for the next six years.

"Ang taumbayan na ang tumataya. Hindi maaaring ang taumbayan ay tumataya na tapos ang mga lider ay play safe pa. Tumaya na tayo. Ipanalo na natin ito," Pangilinan's challenge to his fellow elected officials.

Since the campaign season started in February, mammoth crowds have flocked the campaign caravans of the Robredo-Pangilinan tandem, which for Pangilinan is a clear indication that people are already betting for a "gobyernong tapat".

The highest recorded gathering was the #ArawNa10to rally in Pasay, coinciding with Robredo's 57th birthday and drawing a 412,000-strong Kakampinks.

Less than a week shy of voting day, Pangilinan expressed his gratitude to the volunteers whose energy remain at an all-time high, calling them the real heroes of this people-led campaign.

Pangilinan's only request is for these volunteers' fervor to never wane as there are voters who decide last minute.

"Six days to go, mag house-to-house na tayo. Kumbinsihin na natin ang ating mga kababayan - iyong mga mga Andy (undecided) para maging Daisy (decided). Nasa atin ang momentum. Nararamdaman natin marami na ang nakukumbinse," he said.

"Pero hanggang sa dulo, mayroon pang mga undecided. Sa totoo lang, may survey na nagsasabi na halos 20% ng mga botante, nagdedesisyon sa araw ng halalan. Kaya kailangan hanggang Mayo 7 ay puntahan natin sila. Kumbinsihin natin sila pero sa maayos at mahinahon na paraan. Walang mangyayari kung makikipag-away tayo," he added.

The program concluded with an endorsement from local politicians as well as from multi-sectoral groups.

Bulacan is fifth vote-rich province with over 2 million voters. During his three senatorial runs in 2001, 2007, and 2016, Pangilinan cracked the Magic 12 in this province.