“Hayaan natin na lang sa mga Bulakeño at Bulakeña ang paghuhusga. (Let the people of Bulacan decide.)”
Phillip Salvador issued this rejoinder on Saturday to fellow actor and incumbent Bulacan vice governor Daniel Fernando, who said he felt betrayed by Phillip’s announcement last week that he will run against him in next year’s elections.
In a live interview with Cristy Fermin on “Paparazzi Showbiz Exposed”, Phillip said he respects Daniel’s opinion and they share a common goal.
“Opinyon niya ‘yon,” the 58-year-old actor said. “Pareho lang kami ng puso. Pareho lang kami ng layunin na makapag-lingkod sa mga Bulakeño.”
Phillip, who owns a property in Pandi and whose mother is a native of Baliwag, said he made his decision after consulting with many citizens of Bulacan.
A born-again Christian since 2008, he also said he prayed hard for guidance before announcing his political plans.
“Nagdasal ako. Sabi ko, “Lord, if it’s Your will, Thy will be done,” he said.
He also clarified that none of his close friends in showbiz, especially actor-senators Jinggoy Estrada and Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr., influenced his decision.
“Walang humikayat sa aking tumakbo sa mga kaibigan ko. Sarili kong desisyon ito,” he noted.
He admitted, however, that they gave him an important piece of advice after he told them of his plans.
“Sabi lang nila, umikot ka muna sa mga tao at magpasabi ka na tatakbo ka,” Phillip said.
Last Monday in an exclusive interview with veteran showbiz scribe Pilar Mateo, Daniel told Interaksyon he will not back down against Phillip.
““Kung ito ang labang gusto niya, sige ready ako. I will fight kahit masakit sa loob ko. Kapatid, kaibigan, at parang tatay na rin ang turing ko sa kanya bilang tinitingala namin sa showbiz. Kaya sinasabi ko na masakit,” Daniel said.
