Sol Aragones Defends Endorsement of Marcoleta
SOL ARAGONES – The Laguna gubernatorial candidate and former news anchor is facing criticism for endorsing senatorial hopeful Rodante Marcoleta, one of the lawmakers who pushed for the shutdown of ABS-CBN at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the loss of over 11,000 jobs. Aragones, a former ABS-CBN reporter and TV Patrol host, recently appeared onstage with Marcoleta at a campaign rally in Laguna—a photo of which quickly went viral and sparked backlash, particularly from ABS-CBN supporters.
Despite the controversy, Aragones explained in an interview with Rappler that her decision was based on her commitment to serve the 3.3 million residents of Laguna. According to her, she welcomes any senatorial candidate—regardless of political affiliation—who is willing to support her advocacy of improving public healthcare in the province.
“Tumatakbo ako sa pagka-gobernador. Lahat ng senatorial candidates na lumalapit sa akin at gustong sumama sa akin sa entablado, pinahihintulutan ko sila anuman ang kanilang kulay sa pulitika. Ngunit sa isang kundisyon na tulungan nila ang aking mga nasasakupan sa aming pagnanais ng maayos na ospital,” Aragones said.
In addition to Marcoleta, other political figures present at the May 3 rally included Vic Rodriguez and Willie Revillame. Video messages of support were also sent by re-electionists Francis Tolentino, Bam Aquino, Pia Cayetano, and Bong Go.
Addressing the backlash directly, Aragones stated, “This is not about me anymore. This is about the fight for Laguna, regardless of our past. My love for ABS-CBN, I fought for that, and that will never go away, I respect the opinions of others. I just hope they also respect me in my fight.”
Aragones also clarified that, despite her endorsement, Marcoleta is not supported by Iglesia ni Cristo (INC), a religious group known for its political endorsements. Instead, INC is reportedly backing her opponent, Ruth Hernandez, wife of former Laguna Governor Ramil Hernandez.
Still, many netizens remain unconvinced, expressing disappointment over Aragones’s decision to support a figure associated with ABS-CBN’s shutdown.
Related Post: Ex-ABS-CBN Head Ging Reyes Reacts to Sol Aragones’ Photo with Rodante Marcoleta