The motorcade kicked off at 12:45 p.m. from the Baywalk area, and by 1:30 p.m., vehicles were still pouring in from the starting point—an indication of the overwhelming turnout that surprised even organizers.
Supporters from various barangays joined in, many of them on motorcycles, tricycles, private vehicles, and even trucks adorned with campaign materials.
Participants said they came on their own accord to express their unwavering support for the Rabat leadership, especially in light of claims by rival camps that 70 percent of Mati’s electorate already favors the team of Almario and Dayanghirang.
“Hindi kami bayad. Kusang-loob kaming sumali para ipakita na solid pa rin ang suporta namin kay Mayor Michelle,” said a resident from Barangay Matiao.
The motorcade served as a public rebuttal to what Tatak Rabat supporters described as premature declarations of victory by their political opponents. The Rabat camp is banking on its record of service, infrastructure projects, and responsive governance over the past six years to secure another mandate.
Mayor Michelle Nakpil Rabat, who is seeking her third and final term, has remained focused on a campaign centered around continuity and progress, running alongside her nephew and incumbent Vice Mayor Enzo Rabat.
With just over a week left before election day, the political atmosphere in Mati is heating up. Both camps are expected to intensify their final campaign pushes, while the Commission on Elections continues to remind candidates and their supporters to observe electoral rules and maintain peaceful conduct.
Facebook Conversations