(Eagle News) — Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Saturday said he will run for Vice-President in the 2016 national elections.
In a proclamation rally in Intramuros, Marcos Jr., 58, formally declared his intention to run for vice president in the event that was also attended by his mother, former First Lady and Ilocos Norte Rep. Imelda Marcos, Senator Juan Ponce Enrile, and former President and now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada.
“Sa tulong ninyo at ng sambayanan, pangungunahan ko rin ang isang rebolusyon sa isip at gawa upang marating natin ang ating pinapangarap na isang matahimik, maunlad na bayan at masiglang mamamayan,” Marcos said.
“Dahil dito, taus puso kong tinatanggap ang hamon ng panahon, ang hamon ng bagong henerasyon. Tinatanggap ko ng buong pag-pakumbaba ang hamon ng bayan. Tatakbo ako sa susunod na halalan bilang Bise Presidente ng Republika ng Pilipinas!,” he declared at the Puerta Real Garden in Intramuros, Manila.
After his declaration, Estrada endorsed Marcos saying he was very qualified for the post of vice-president
“Isang karangalan para sa akin na i-endorso ang ating kagalanggalang na senador, walang iba kungdi ang Senator Bongbong Marcos,” Estrada said.
“Itong araw na ito bilang ating kandidato sa pagkapangalawang pangulo ng ating bansang Pilipinas sa darating na halalan sa susunod na taon. Hindi ako nagdalawang-isip at lalong hindi ako nahirapan na gawin ang desisyon na ito,” he said.
Marcos is the fifth politician to declare his intention to run in the 2016 vice presidential race.
Those who have earlier made similar declarations are Senators Francis “Chiz” Escudero, Alan Peter Cayetano, Antonio Trillanes IV, and Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo.