HUGPONG ng Pagbabago (HNP) bets drew about 17,000 people from the different parts of the province during their political rally in Isabela town.
The event was led by Davao City Mayor and HNP Chairperson Sara Duterte-Carpio, and House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr., some congressmen in the province, mayors and other local officials also attended the political rally.
The senatorial candidates who attended the event were reelectionist Senator Cynthia Villar, former media man Jiggy Manicad, former Metropolitan Manila Development Authority head Francis Tolentino, former Philippine National Police chief Ronald Dela Rosa, Maguindanao Representative Dong Mangudadatu, former senators Bong Revilla Jr., Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada and Ferdinand “Bong-bong” Marcos, Jr., who attended on behalf of his sister Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos.
Actor-comedian Bayani Agbayani, meanwhile, represented former Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go.
Several party-list candidates also joined the event, including former Presidential Communications Operations Office Assistant secretary Mocha Uson, who represented the AA-Kasosyo party-list, and Senior Superintendent Cesar Mancao, who represented the May Pagasa party-list group.
Duterte-Carpio said her candidates presented different promises, such as making new laws that would benefit the Filipino people, better health and social services, food security, peace and order, and better communications.
She said they were surprised by the warm welcome they received from the Negrenses, since the party is usually more known among the residents of Mindanao and Cebu.
“We are happy, and the welcome was heart-warming,” Duterte-Carpio added.