BUKIDNON – Provincial Governor Jose Ma. Zubiri, Jr. called Senator Loren Legarda the country’s next President. Zubiri made this proclamation during Legarda’s recent visit to Bukidnon when she served as guest of honor during Bukidnon’s 92nd Foundation Day Celebration (Aldaw Ta Bukidnon).

Bukidnon Governor Jose Zubiri, Jr. walks with Senator Loren Legarda, who donned a Talaandig tribe costume

Zubiri often referred to Legarda as “Madame President” during the program held at the Capitol Stage, Capitol Grounds, Malaybalay City, which was witnessed by thousands of people. It was not clear if it was Zubiri’s public and formal announcement of support for the female senator, who is reportedly eyeing the Presidency in next year’s national elections.

Legarda, on her part, commended the governor of Bukidnon for his passion and “hands-on” treatment in running the affairs of the province. She also pledged P1 Million as support to the programs of the Provincial Government. She also pledged an additional amount to be taken off from her Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) for agricultural-related programs and projects for Bukidnon farmers.

Legarda is currently the Chairman of the Committees on Agriculture and Food and Climate Change.

Last year, during the 91st Foundation Day Celebration of the Province of Bukidnon, Zubiri publicly endorsed former Senate President Manny Villar, who was then the guest of honor. A few months later, however, and around the time when Villar got ousted as Senate President, Zubiri shifted gears and endorsed Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro as the next President. The governor allegedly made his bold proclamation last year during the 8th Mindanao Island Conference of the The Provincial Board Members League of the Philippines, which was held in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

Zubiri is widely known as a LAKAS-CMD party member while Legarda is under the NPC.

The 92nd Aldaw Ta Bukidnon was held last March 10, 2009 at the Capitol Grounds, Malaybalay City. (BUKIDNON ONLINE NEWS)

Photo courtesy of the Office of Senator Loren Legarda (photo by Joseph Vidal)

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