Sen. Revilla secures Ilonggo votes
ILOILO CITY, Philippines — As the election season intensifies, veteran lawmaker Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr. continues to solidify his support base across the country, most notably in the Visayas, where he has secured the backing of key political leaders in Iloilo and Guimaras.
During his recent visit to Iloilo, Senator Bong Revilla was warmly received by Governor Toto Defensor with several municipal mayors of the province, who expressed their confidence in the solon’s brand of inclusive and responsive public service that already spans three decades. In their meeting, Bong Revilla laid down his legislative priorities should he win another term in the Senate–highlighting bold reforms to improve the lives of ordinary Filipinos.
One of the major proposals discussed was the abolition of the provincial rate system on minimum wages, with the lawmaker pushing for a more equitable and just wage structure.
“Naniniwala ako na wala dapat konsepto ng provincial rate. Hindi dapat mas maliit ang sahod sa probinsya kaysa sa Maynila. Kung ano ang minimum wage sa Maynila, ’yon din dapat ang minimum wage din sa lahat ng probinsya,” Bong Revilla stressed. “Hindi dapat may naiiwang rehiyon dahil pantay-pantay naman ang pagsisikap at pagpupursige ng ating mga kababayang manggagawang Pilipino,” he added.
The longtime public servant also underscored his commitment to boost Iloilo’s tourism industry, recognizing the province as a key destination in the country’s cultural and historical landscape. He vowed to help craft and support measures in the Senate that would attract more investments in local tourism, generate jobs, and promote sustainable development.
“Napakayaman ng Iloilo sa kultura, kasaysayan, at ganda ng tanawin. Kailangan nating i-angat pa ang turismo para makalikha ng mas maraming kabuhayan para sa ating mga kababayan,” he said.
In addition, he also expressed his desire to push for infrastructure projects that would enhance connectivity, productivity, and economic activity in the region.
“Alam naman natin na napakahalaga ng papel ng imprastruktura sa pag-unlad ng mga probinsya. At bilang kasalukuyang chairperson ng Senate Committee on Public Works, isa po sa mga prayoridad natin ay rural development sa mapapagitan ng mas malakas na public infrastructure program. Kaya kailangan nating magtayo ng mas maraming kalsada, tulay, at pasilidad na magpapasigla sa ekonomiya at magdudulot ng ginhawa sa ating mamamayan dito sa Iloilo,” the senator affirmed.
Following his engagements in Iloilo, Bong Revilla proceeded to neighboring Guimaras, where he was officially endorsed by Governor JC Rahman Nava and Representative Lucille Nava, along with all five municipal mayors of the province. The show of unity and support reflected the senator’s wide appeal among local leaders who have long witnessed his work in public service.
“Lubos ang aking pasasalamat sa mainit na pagtanggap at buong pusong suporta ng mga Ilonggo at mga pinuno ng Iloilo at Guimaras,” the solon said. “Hindi ko po kayo bibiguin. Lahat ng ito ay para sa patuloy na pag-asenso at pag-unlad ng inyong mga bayan.”
As part of his visit, Bong Revilla also held a motorcade across Iloilo City, passing through the districts of Arevalo, La Paz, Mandurriao, Molo, Jaro, and the City Proper, where he was overwhelmingly received by residents who lined the streets to show their support.
With a consistent message of “Aksyon sa Tunay na Buhay,” Senator Bong Revilla continues to gain ground, not only as a seasoned legislator but also as a leader who listens and responds to the needs of the people.
