Willie Revillame holds campaign kickoff rally in Lucena City

By Nimfa Estrellado (L-R) Atty. JP Padiernos, Willie Revillame, Mayor Mark Alcala, and Vice Mayor Roderick Alcala at the Lucena City on Feb...

By Nimfa Estrellado

(L-R) Atty. JP Padiernos, Willie Revillame, Mayor Mark Alcala, and Vice Mayor Roderick Alcala at the Lucena City on February 18 for the senatorial candidate's campaign kick-off event. (Willie Revillame)

LUCENA CITY, Quezon - A sea of supporters flooded Lucena City as Willie Revillame, senatorial candidate, launched their campaign kick-off on February 18. The event was filled with excitement and energy as the candidate greeted and interacted with their fans.

The prominent host of 'Will to Win' was warmly received by the locals, who packed the city's public market to catch a glimpse of them. The candidate's charisma and popularity were evident as they shook hands, took selfies, and signed autographs for their enthusiastic supporters.



He was accompanied by Atty. JP Padiernos, head of Galing sa Puso, a party list group that expressed their full support for the candidate's senatorial bid. Padiernos praised Revillames' dedication to public service and their commitment to advocating for the welfare of the marginalized sectors.

Before proceeding to the public market, Revillame's group paid a courtesy visit to Lucena City Mayor Mark Alcala and Vice Mayor Roderick Alcala at the Lucena City Government Complex. This visit was seen as a gesture of respect and a sign of the candidate's commitment to working with local government officials to address the needs of their constituents.

In a Facebook Live video, Revillame shared their vision for their senatorial bid, emphasizing their commitment to listening to the concerns of their fellow Filipinos. "Ito ang simula ng aming kampanya. Gusto kong marinig ang mga boses ng aming mga kababayan, upang malaman ang kanilang mga pangangailangan at mga problema sa bawat probinsya na bibisitahin ko," Revillame said.

Revillame was asked why they decided to run for senator despite their success in their TV show. He replied that they want to help more people beyond the confines of their TV program. "Makakatulong ako sa mas maraming tao, hindi lang sa mga nasa studio, hindi lang sa 600 tao, at nagbibigay ng mga jacket, cellphone, ₱10,000, ₱20,000.

"Ngayon, kung maging senador ka, mas marami kang magagawa, may mas malaking budget para sa mga mahihirap," Revillame explained. They emphasized that their experience in the entertainment industry has given them a unique perspective and skill set that can be applied to public service.

When asked what he thinks is lacking in the country that he can address if elected, Revillame responded that it's not about what's lacking, but about being truthful and transparent in serving the people. "Dapat maging tapat at hindi magnanakaw sa bayan. Iyan ang problema ngayon sa bansa. Kailangan natin ng pagkakaisa at katapatan," the candidate stressed.

The party-list group accompanying the candidate also shared their own initiatives aimed at alleviating poverty in the country. They plan to establish community pantries in every barangay, providing essential goods and services to impoverished communities, promoting food security and sustainability.

This initiative will offer food assistance, health and wellness services, livelihood opportunities, and community engagement programs, ultimately making a tangible difference in the lives of impoverished residents.

Despite facing criticism from netizens regarding his senatorial bid, Revillame remained unfazed, stating that he is accustomed to being criticized. "Mga tumatakbo, binabash din. Pero hindi ako nagpapakita ng galit. Sinasabi ko lang, dapat maging tapat at transparent," the candidate said.

He emphasized that his experience as a TV host has prepared them to serve the poor, saying, "Makabili na ako ng 27 taon sa paglilingkod sa mga mahihirap. Alam ko ang kanilang nararamdaman at galing ako sa ganitong buhay.". The candidate's humble beginnings and their ability to connect with ordinary Filipinos were seen as key strengths in their bid for the Senate.

When it comes to transparency, it reigns, a principle he underscored when discussing his assets; he declared his readiness to lay bare his wealth, embodying a core Filipino value: 'Ang taong tapat, walang itinatago.' Revillame affirmed, "I will not hide anything, nor will I do anything that could harm the nation." As the saying goes, 'Kung ano ang itinanim, siya ring aanihin,' emphasizing that his honest actions will bear positive outcomes.

He also proudly cited his strong standing in surveys such as Octa S.W.H., where he emerged as a formidable candidate, even as an independent. These survey results, he believes, reflect the enduring support for his advocacy of a more just governance. In essence, he displays that 'Sa taong may tiyaga, walang imposible'.

Beyond poverty alleviation, Revillame also advocated for improvements within the show business industry. He emphasized the need to keep pace with global trends, like the K-pop industry, and ensure its continued relevance and competitiveness.

Revillame stressed the importance of quality productions and innovative approaches to keep the industry thriving. The candidate's commitment to promoting the arts and supporting the local entertainment industry was seen as a welcome development by industry insiders and fans alike.