CAMPAIGN SIDELIGHTS: BROWNOUTS COULD NOT STOP PEOPLE

Even the irritating brownout, which stretch up to 9 hours in some areas in the province of North Cotabato, could not stop the deluge of people who came to the mini-rally in Antipas town last night.

Over 1,000 people stayed until 10:30 p.m. just to listen to my message, a stark contrast to the lean crowd herded by administration officials when the incumbent Governor came.

Singer and composer Ganny Brown who popularized the novelty songs “Tonto nga Gugma” and “May Load Pa Ba?” delighted the crowd even when a portable lamp and a few bulbs powered by the small power generator which we always bring with us were the only sources of light in front of the Antipas public transportation terminal.

I have always enjoyed a huge support from the people of Antipas and this is mainly because of my role in bringing in the big multi-national corporation SUMIFRU which has employed about 5,000 people and changed this once sleepy town to a vibrant economic community with four banks and two hospitals.

This support was manifested in the big political victories I registered in the many elections in the past, including the 2010 polls.

Last night, even in the dark, people showed their support once again as they stayed for over 4 hours to join the mini-rally.

I expect the huge attendance to be translated to votes in the coming elections.