Bongbong, Sara hold first Metro Manila sortie

MANILA, Philippines — The presidential tandem of former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio launched their show of force in Metro Manila with a grand caravan along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City yesterday.

The tandem dubbed as “BBM-Sara Uniteam” led a throng of supporters in red and green shirts that filled the capital region’s widest thoroughfare, causing traffic gridlock.

“The BBM-Sara UniTeam apologizes and asks for understanding to motorists, commuters, the city government and the MMDA for the traffic jam caused by the Unity Caravan,” Marcos’ spokesman, Victor Rodriguez, said in a statement.

“The outcome of support was unexpected and overwhelming despite our preparations,” added Rodriguez, who thanked the Quezon City government for its assistance during the event which was the biggest caravan by any national candidate so far.

“The BBM-Sara UniTeam thanks the city government led by Mayor Joy Belmonte for the help it extended during the occasion. We also thank the citizens of Quezon City for their cooperation regardless of political beliefs,” he said.

The motorcade kicked off with a meet-and-greet event at the eastbound lane of Commonwealth Avenue in front of the Commission on Audit (CoA) head office.

The caravan then took a U-turn along Fairview and went through Commonwealth Avenue all the way to Quezon Avenue and ended at the Welcome Rotonda. – Janvic Mateo, Elizabeth Marcelo