Senatorial bet Francisco “Kiko” Pangilinan has returned to Ilocos Norte to secure his Ilocano votes in the last stretch of the campaign period. On his second visit here on May 6 since April, Pangilinan brought along his wife and showbiz megastar Sharon Cuneta and children Frankie and Miel. He said he has visited Ilocos Norte twice not because the Ilocano votes are difficult to court but that he was making sure he gets the “Solid North” votes. Pangilinan actually started the Northern Luzon leg of his “Kiko caravan” in this city and hoped to pass by ten provinces before returning to Metro Manila. “We would like to send the message that we are going on a journey towards a meaningful change and reform in politics. Through this caravan (Kasama mo kami Kiko) we hope our people can join in our journey for a better nation,” he said. Pangilinan has started bringing along Cuneta and his children for the caravan, which kicked off in Davao City and would end in Cebu. “We want to bring the issues to the people ...why I ran as independent. We want to explain what we want to do for the country and where do we want the country to go,” he said. “I’d like to stress that (the reason to run for independent) is (due to my desire) for a change in how we do our politics. It is difficult to have politics without principle or stand. I believe that other Asian countries have gone far because the leaders have genuine affection for their people. In our country, it is the reverse. Leaders are more concerned with protecting their own interests and enriching their pockets,” he added. For her part, Cuneta said she was looking forward to get their lives back to normal after the May elections. “(Just one more week) But one week is equivalent to one month of work. When I woke up (three days ago in Davao), my body was in pain. I have found a friend in Tempra and Ben Gay (analgesic tablet and pain reliever ointment),” she said in jest. She said she and her children have joined her husband’s sorties so that the kids could be closer to their father who has been out for the longest time because of the provincial sorties. “It is very taxing on us, on the family and on (Kiko) physically. But the kids are excited on joining the caravan and hopping on the bus. The caravan is a family thing with our relatives and volunteers,” Cuneta said. Cuneta made a personal request to the teachers who would be serving during the elections to guard the ballots well not only for her husband but for all the candidates. “This is a crucial period. I hope they will truly guard the ballots. Come election, the decision lies in our electorate, after that, it will be in the hands of our teachers,” she said. Cristina Arzadon, PIA News
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