Aksyon Demokratiko standard bearer Isko Moreno Domagoso said he was not discounting the possibility for more senatorial candidates joining his team after former Agrarian Reform Secretary John Castriciones formally joined his slate.
“Why not? We’ll never know. It’s only up to 12 (slots). As long as they help us, they will help us, so why not, especially since me who called on our countrymen to help us and give us a chance and opportunity to serve them,” Moreno told reporters this week during a campaign sortie in Marikina City.
Since the start of the national campaign last Feb. 8, Moreno, his vice presidential teammate Doc Willie Ong and Aksyon Demokratiko senatorial hopefuls Dr. Carl Balita, Samira Gutoc, and Jopet Sison have been on the campaign trail almost six days a week doing motorcades and town hall meetings.
“For us, any help will do. We are really gathering all kinds of support. Endorsement of Juan dela Cruz, endorsement of Maria, endorsement of groups, endorsement of institutions and so on and so forth.
I’m hoping it (would be) soon but you know we have to meet as a team and we will consult each other, then after that we will let you know,” Moreno said.
Ernest Ramel, chairman of Aksyon Demokratiko, said the addition of Castriciones in Mayor Isko’s senatorial line-up was very much welcome and was a concrete indication that more personalities from the other side of the political fence are joining Team Isko.
“Former DAR Secretary John Castriciones is a welcome addition to the team. He will not only bring his integrity, experience and knowledge in helping out our farmers who are one of those closest to Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso’s heart. Our standard bearer has repeatedly said that the lack of food security is a threat to national security,” Ramel said.
“In addition, the inclusion of Sec. John is proof of the continued expansion and strengthening of the Filipino people’s support for the Real Solution, Fast Action led by Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso.
SwitchToIsko is on the rise,” he said.
Ramel, however, said Castriciones could not be officially adopted by Aksyon Demokratiko since he had a different vice-presidential candidate.
The 60-year old Castriciones, the president of the Mayor Rodrigo Duterte-National Executive Coordinating Committee, is running for senator under the Partido Demokratikong Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban).
Castriciones joined Moreno and the Aksyon Demokratiko senatorial bets during their three-day campaign swing in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) from February 20 to 22.
The former Duterte-appointed cabinet secretary said it was his decision backed by his party to join Moreno and the rest of the Aksyon Demokratiko in their sorties in BARMM.
He also reiterated that Mayor Isko is his choice as the next president of the country.