Eastern Samar, Northern Samar governors endorse Robredo for president

Eastern Samar Governor Ben Evardone and Northern Samar Governor Edwin Ongchuan have endorsed Vice President Leni Robredo for president.

Governor Ongchuan stated that he consulted local leaders and assessed the candidates before collectively discerning that Robredo best fits the role.

He mentioned that "With her kind of leadership, we believe that VP Leni will be beside us in our efforts for Sustained Progress (in Northern Samar)."

Ongchuan chairs the National Unity Party in Northern Samar, and his endorsement is backed by almost all incumbent mayors, congressmen, and provincial board members in the province.

Laoang Mayor Harris Ongchuan, who is running for Congress, and First District Congressman Paul Daza have also expressed their support for Robredo.

These endorsements aim to consolidate support for Robredo in Northern Samar, where she won in the 2016 vice-presidential elections.

Evardone's endorsement was notably based on President Duterte's description of an ideal successor as a "compassionate lawyer."

Robredo expressed her value for Evardone's endorsement, especially since it comes from someone supporting her despite her not being a survey frontrunner.

Ongchuan is the fourth governor in the Visayas region to support Robredo, following endorsements from Negros Occidental Governor Bong Lacson and Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor.