Vice President Leni Robredo Campaigns in Boracay
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Vice President and presidential aspirant Leni Robredo and her running mate Senator Kiko Pangilinan received a warm welcome from Boracaynons, Malaynons, and Aklanons during her visit to Boracay on Wednesday, February 16.
Tourists and locals alike donned their pink shirts and face masks as Robredo met with them for "Pink Wednesday," following a “Pink Tuesday” in Aklan and “Pink Sunday” in Quezon City.
The short campaign rally focused on the Boracay Island Development Authority (BIDA) bill, which aims to create a government owned and controlled corporation (GOCC) to manage Boracay as a tourist spot. The bill was approved on second reading at the House of Representatives in August 2021 but continues to face opposition from local officials, groups, and national government agencies.
Robredo said there was a need to listen to Boracay locals before passing the BIDA bill in Congress.
“Ang nakakaalam ng lahat ng issue dito, hindi kami kung di kayo,” said Robredo. “Hindi pu-pwedeng ipasa sa Kongreso at maging batas iyong BIDA bill na hindi kayo pinapakinggan.”
Locals and tourists in Boracay arrive early for VP Leni's campaign rally
Representatives from various groups and organizations in the island came together to show support to the opposition candidates, including Boracay Movement, Compliant Association of Boracay, Malay Association of Sailboat Operator, Association of Stand-up Paddle Board of Boracay, Boracay Women’s Cooperative (Pinay Boracay), Malay Association of Vendors Masseuse Hairbraiders, Malay Fisher Folk Association, Boracay Water Sports Association, Boracay Food & Beverage Association, Boracay Seniors Association, Boragayhon’s Samahang Mangingisda Inc.Boracay Photographers Inc., Boracay Entertainers Organization, Boracay Kiteboarders Association, Boracay Muslim Association, Boracay Medical Frontliners, LGBTQ Boracay, Dampi Foundation, and PWD Boracay.
Robredo, whose campaign has relied on volunteerism, called on her supporters to protect Boracay, which is the country’s number one tourist destination.
VP Leni in Boracay
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“Mayroon po kayong assignment,” she said. “Hindi lang po tayo kakampanya. Hindi lang po tayo magpre-prepare for the elections. Pero let us make sure, na itong grupo natin ngayon, ito na yung grupo natin para pangalagaan ang mahal nating Boracay.”
