Vice President Leni Robredo hugs Aeta chieftain Fe Domulot after Aetas endorsed her and her running mate Francis Pangilinan for the presidency and vice presidency, respectively. 鈥擵PLR media bureau
OLONGAPO, ZAMBALES 鈥� Aetas from Central Luzon on Tuesday raised the hands of Vice President Leni Robredo and Sen. Francis 鈥淜iko鈥� Pangilinan in full endorsement of their respective bids for the country鈥檚 top two posts, in a symbolic gesture that鈥檚 now becoming a fixture in their campaigns.
In endorsing them, the Aetas of Botolan, Zambales province vouched for the tandem鈥檚 track record in upholding indigenous peoples鈥� rights and expressed hope that they would defend and promote their rights.
Fe Domulot, the tribe鈥檚 chieftain, also vouched for the 鈥渄epth and breadth of their experience in public service, in defending the vulnerable and paying back debts of gratitude (to the people who put them in power).鈥�
She also expressed her sincere trust that the two 鈥渨ould never sell them out because they have their own principles.鈥�
鈥淥ur history as indigenous peoples have always been marred by violence and oppression, lack of education, and human rights violations,鈥� Domulot lamented. 鈥淲e feel in our hearts that they are the only candidates who truly understand our rights (and) feelings.鈥�
This is not the first time that indigenous groups have committed to supporting the tandem, especially Robredo, erstwhile a pro bono lawyer for the indigenous, peasant folk, and rural poor before becoming a politician.
Earlier, the 1Sambubungan coalition of 18 tribes also signed a covenant supporting the Robredo-Pangilinan ticket in hopes that they would uphold the indigenous agenda.
After raising their hands, the tribe gifted Robredo mangoes 鈥� Zambales鈥� main crop 鈥� and a wood nameplate carving bearing her name.
鈥淭o our brothers and sisters here, let our decisions be firm. Let us fight and stand for them,鈥� Domulot said.
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