Motorcades, rallies mark start of local campaign

The 45-day local campaign period for the May elections officially began yesterday, with candidates across Metro Manila launching their bids through rallies, house-to-house campaigns and online promotions.

- MARK ERNEST VILLEZA

In Caloocan, Mayor Along Malapitan kicked off his campaign with a rally at Plaza Rizal after attending mass at San Roque Cathedral.

Meanwhile, mayoral aspirant Antonio Trillanes IV kicked off his campaign online, highlighting his platform and addressing allegations of corruption, including concerns over ghost job order employees.

Malabon Mayor Jeannie Sandoval, who held her proclamation rally last Wednesday, marked the campaign's start by attending mass at San Bartolome Church.

Sandoval, seeking reelection, is running with Edward Co Nolasco, while her husband, former representative Ricky Sandoval, is vying for Congress.

Mayoral aspirant Jaye Lacson-Noel and her Serbisyong Buong Puso slate also launched their campaign with a mass at San Bartolome Church on Friday morning.

In Navotas, Mayor John Rey Tiangco and Rep. Toby Tiangco started their campaigns with house-to-house visits in their respective barangays.

Meanwhile, Valenzuela Mayor Wes Gatchalian began his reelection campaign with a house-to-house tour across two districts in the city.

Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto and Vice Mayor Dodot Jaworski, on the other hand, launched their campaigns at Pasig Mega Market, with support from Sotto's celebrity parents Vic Sotto and Coney Reyes.

Speaking before a crowd of supporters, Vico, who is seeking his third and final term, highlighted the city's achievements under his leadership and urged voters to remember their commitment to good governance.

San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora and his slate, on the other hand, held their kickoff rally at Filoil EcoOil Arena after attending mass at Santuario del Santo Cristo Church. He is seeking reelection with Vice Mayor Angelo Agcaoili as his running mate.

Reminders

As the local campaign period began, reminders for candidates to follow election guidelines started pouring in.