01/10/2024
ANTIQUE LEADERS RALLY BEHIND CONGRESSMAN AA LEGARDA’S RE-ELECTION
Congressman Antonio Agapito "AA" Legarda Jr., Lone District Representative of Antique, formally filed his Certificate of Candidacy (COC) for re-electionat at Robinsons Place in San Jose, Antique, around 10 a.m. on October 1, 2024.
Legarda, who first assumed office on June 30, 2022, is seeking a second term in office.
The congressman was accompanied by his sister, Senator Loren Legarda, and the members of "Team Legarda," which included eight Sangguniang Panlalawigan officials.
Local leaders and supporters from various sectors gathered for the event, starting the day with a mass at St. Joseph Parish in San Jose at 6:00 a.m. to show their backing for Legarda's re-election.
Legarda, known for his work in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and sustainable development, emphasized collaboration with local officials and the community as essential to achieving progress for Antiqueños.
Speaking at a media conference held after filing his candidacy, Legarda reiterated his goals for his next term.
"To Senator Legarda, my Manang, I will never be able to thank you enough for everything you are doing for us for our projects and for the opportunity you gave me to serve our ‘kasimanwas’. I want to say we will continue this as your congressman," Legarda said, highlighting his continued commitment to public service and future plans for the province.
Municipal leaders, including several mayors, attended the event to show their support, demonstrating Legarda’s ability to build partnerships with local government units (LGUs) across the province.
The event also drew participation from representatives of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI), reflecting the congressman's broad backing from both government officials and faith-based communities.
The Legarda family's political influence in Antique runs deep, with Senator Loren Legarda previously serving as the Congresswoman of the province.
“I came here primarily for the election bid of my brother and, of course, for the support of all our local chief executives, our incumbent mayors, returning mayors, running vice mayors—all of those present you today—it means a lot to me,” the Senator said.
Congressman AA Legarda is poised to continue the family's legacy of service, focusing on transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance.
The filing attracted widespread attention from both local and national media outlets, underscoring the public's interest in Legarda’s political future.
As the campaign for re-election progresses, Legarda has promised to address the province’s most pressing issues, including improving healthcare services, upgrading infrastructure, and expanding education opportunities for Antiqueños.
Legarda’s candidacy reflects his continued dedication to the well-being of his kasimanwas (constituents) and his mission to foster unity and progress across the province.
