ILOILO City – An estimated crowd of more than 80,000 attended the miting de avance of Team Sulong Gugma on Saturday evening, May 10, at the Gaisano Capital Grounds in Mandurriao district, two days ahead of the May 12 midterm elections.
Supporters braved the rain to witness the final campaign event of the Sulong Gugma slate, composed of Rep. Julienne “Jam-Jam” Baronda, vice mayoral candidate Love-Love Baronda, and their 10 councilor bets.
Former Iloilo City mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog also joined the slate onstage during the event.
Guest speakers included Sen. JV Ejercito and senatorial candidate Rep. Erwin Tulfo, who both expressed support for the group.
Ejercito, who previously worked with Baronda in the Senate, recalled their joint efforts in improving the Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC), with Baronda instrumental in securing a ₱400-million budget for the hospital’s Heart, Lung and Kidney Center. He added that they intend to work together again to secure further funding for specialty centers at the WVMC.
Tulfo, on the other hand, told the crowd that continuity in leadership was important.
Congresswoman Baronda and vice mayoral candidate Baronda addressed the attendees, thanking their supporters and calling for unity and continued progress.
All 10 councilor candidates of Team Sulong Gugma were also introduced onstage and given time to speak briefly. They were Doc Von Deveza, Atty. Kesha Pesina Tupas, Pastor Stanley “Big Bro” Flores, Peter Oñate, GM Ariete Ramos, Jun Capulot, Mor Espinosa, Atty. Boots Gerochi, Sheen Mabilog, and Bryant Zulueta.
Various party-list representatives, including those from Tictok, BHW, Pinuno, Makabayan, and CIBAC, were present and voiced general calls for voter participation and support for public service-oriented candidates.
The event concluded early due to a heavy downpour, but many supporters remained on site. As of press time, no untoward incidents were reported.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) earlier reminded all political parties and candidates to observe the campaign period rules and ensure peaceful and orderly conduct in their final activities./PN
