Former Duterte cabinet official Ernesto Abella launched his presidential campaign on Wednesday at the Presbyterian Theological Seminaryin Dasmariñas City, Cavite.

Abella said that he would address corruption and poverty if he wins the presidency. 

“Yun po talaga ang gusto ko, bagong Pilipinas, na kung saan ang mga tao ay namumuhay na makatarungan, mapayapa, at masaya,” he said.

“Let me plant in your spirit a seed of a new Philippines,” he added.

Abella, former spokesperson of President Rodrigo Duterte, also said that he is open to working with other presidential aspirants whose focus is the welfare of the country. 

“I can work with all other presidentiables. I can work with them. I can invite them. I can invite Ping. I can work with him. I can work with Leni. I can work with anybody who is willing to put the Philippines first,” he said.

Abella’s campaign launch started with a caravan from Bonifacio Drive in Tagaytay City and Molino Boulevard in Bacoor City at 7:30 a.m. – Ronald Espartinez