Sol Aragones defends Marcoleta endorsement: This isn’t about me, this is about Laguna

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Marcoleta was among the architects of the shutdown of ABS-CBN, Aragones' former employer. She tells Rappler, 'All senatorial candidates who approach me and want to join me onstage, I allow them regardless of their political color.'

MANILA, Philippines – Laguna gubernatorial aspirant and former ABS-CBN broadcast journalist Sol Aragones defended herself from criticisms after she endorsed congressman and senatorial aspirant Rodante Marcoleta, infamously known for his efforts to shut down the media giant in 2020.

In an interview with Rappler, Aragones said that she would accommodate anyone who supports her vision of a better hospital in the province, which is home to 3.3 million people.

“I’m running for governor. All senatorial candidates who approach me and want to join me onstage, I allow them regardless of their political color. But on one condition — that they help my constituents in our desire for a proper hospital,” she said in Filipino.

She pointed out that aside from Marcoleta, she had also welcomed senatorial aspirants from other sides of the political fence. Willie Revillame and Vic Rodriguez also delivered speeches on her May 3 rally, while Bong Go, Francis Tolentino, Bam Aquino, and Pia Cayetano sent video messages.

“This is not about me anymore. This is about the fight for Laguna, regardless of our past,” Aragones told Rappler.

“My love for ABS-CBN, I fought for that, and that will never go away,” Aragones added. “I respect the opinions of others. I just hope they also respect me in my fight.”

Marcoleta was among the architects of ABS-CBN’s shutdown in 2020 — a move by the Duterte administration that was seen as a blatant attack on press freedom. It led to the retrenchment of thousands of workers at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Aragones, who built a successful career as a news reporter for ABS-CBN before she entered politics in 2012, was one of the only 11 lawmakers who voted to renew the franchise of the broadcast giant.

A photo of Aragones raising Marcoleta’s hand circulated online and attracted criticism directed at Aragones, including from her former colleagues and bosses.

“Even in politics, there are lines you do not cross,” former ABS-CBN Digital executive editor and veteran reporter Lynda Jumilla said on X. Former ABS-CBN News chief Ging Reyes also shared a Facebook post critical of Aragones’ endorsement of Marcoleta.

No INC endorsement

Despite her endorsement of Marcoleta, Aragones did not get the support of Iglesia ni Cristo, a religious group that practices bloc voting. Marcoleta is an INC member.

The group instead backed the gubernatorial bid of Laguna 2nd District Representative Ruth Hernandez, wife of term-limited Governor Ramil Hernandez.

INC’s endorsement is crucial in tight races. No A-tier survey in Laguna has been released, but it is expected to be very competitive as Aragones and Hernandez are figured in a four-way race alongside Vice Governor Karen Agapay and Sta. Rosa Representative Dan Fernandez.

A staff of Aragones claimed that her support of ABS-CBN cost her.

“From our reliable sources, the reason Sol was not endorsed by the INC is because she stood for ABS-CBN. That stigma followed her,” said Bryan Guarnes, who is part of Aragones’ campaign.

“I was not endorsed by the Iglesia ni Cristo, but I respect that,” Aragones said.

Health care on the ballot

Health care has emerged as a top issue among residents of Laguna and has become a key talking point among gubernatorial aspirants.

Laguna is the only province in the Calabarzon region without a Level 3 public hospital, which offers the most advanced form of health care. District hospitals classified as either Level 1 or Level 2 also grapple with subpar or incomplete medical equipment.

This means that for indigent Laguna residents who need access to such facilities, the only option they have is to go to a private hospital or seek medical care outside the province, such as the Batangas Medical Center or Philippine General Hospital in Manila.

Aragones promises to “have a well-equipped hospital here in Laguna, complete with medicine and medical facilities,” and construct pharmacies that offer free medicine in every town and city if elected governor.

Hernandez guarantees to strengthen district hospitals as well as the provincial administration’s “blue card” program, which currently provides free or discounted medical services for cardholders.

Hernandez authored the law establishing a regional hospital in Bay, Laguna, although construction of that facility is expected to take years. – Rappler.com