Angkasangga first nominee George Royeca sees Vice Ganda more as co-advocate than mere endorser

 

George Royeca (left) and Vice Ganda

Angkas CEO and Angkasangga Partylist First Nominee George Royeca said Vice Ganda just happens to be one of the biggest stars of the country but it's not the reason he asked her to endorse them.

"Antagal na namin naguusap ni Vice and alam naman ng lahat na matalino siya. Madami siyang palaisipan at messages sa mga platforms niya about current events. We approached her because we have the same advocacy," said George on Zoom.

Angkasangga Partylist wants laws in place to protect the informal labor sector to which Vice belongs. 

"They deserve education, good health, pabahay, insurance...para magka-safety net pampalago sa buhay nila," George said.

George Royeca

He pointed out that as of 2019, there were at least 17 million informal workers in the Philippines. Obviously, that number has grown.

And by informal workers, he doesn't mean just bikers. Anyone who works but aren't salaried by a company falls under the category, including talents, content creators, freelancers...the list is staggering.

George said that during rallies, Vice Ganda doesn't need to be coached on her talks because she knows the cause they are fighting for by heart.

"Sabi ko nga kay Vice, andami mong sinasabi ba't di ka tumakbo," George revealed. "Then again, I believe she has a bigger platform, a higher calling. Let's wait for her time."

In a separate interview, Vice was quoted to have said that she received tons of offers to endorse other partylists.

"Ang dami ring lumalapit sa akin na mga partylist na pinagdududahan ko rin, talaga, iyan ang partylist mo? Parang ang layo sa pagkatao mo nung partylist na binibitbit mo,” Vice Ganda said in her vlog.“Kasi ngayon, parang gamitan na lang din ang grupo ng tao na bibitbitin kuno, para mas magmukha silang relatable, mas magmukha silang masa at mayroong kaakibat."

The "Unkabogable Star" requested George to support the passage of the SOGIE Bill when he gets a seat in Congress.

While understandable and laudable, her doing so was unnecessary. George has been a long-time supporter of the LGBTQIA+ community. In fact, Angkas, has conducted campaigns and programs for the said community. 

It goes without saying George would surely vote for the passage of the SOGIE Bill.