Negrense Women Leaders, Ex-Guv Back Heidi Mendoza’s Senate Bid

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – Former Commission on Audit (COA) commissioner Heidi Mendoza received strong support from women’s advocates and former Negros Occidental Gov. Rafael Coscolluela during her senatorial campaign visit here on Wednesday.

Coscolluela praised Mendoza’s campaign, citing the emergence of spontaneous grassroots support reminiscent of the 2022 presidential campaign of former Vice President Leni Robredo.

“People who previously did not even think of getting involved in this year’s election are beginning to come forward,” he said.

He compared Mendoza’s growing momentum to Robredo’s campaign, which began with limited backing and transformed into a people-powered movement.

“The magic is in the people,” the former governor added.

Coscolluela expressed confidence in Mendoza’s courage, competence and integrity, urging Negrenses to give her the opportunity to serve the country.

He also shared that people had been reaching out to him, offering to support Mendoza’s campaign.

Mendoza’s senatorial run was also endorsed by prominent women leaders, including lawyer Andrea Lizares-Si, Bacolod Councilor Celia Flor, former Department of Education Region 7 director Juliet Jeruta and urban poor leader Joy Jarabelo.

Si stressed the need for more women in public office, saying their involvement could lead to greater honesty, accountability and public service.

Flor commended Mendoza’s integrity and leadership, while Jarabelo said her candidacy brought hope to marginalized communities.

Despite not having a traditional political machinery, Mendoza remained unfazed in pursuing a nationwide campaign.

“I prayed so hard when I decided to run—nothing can discourage me,” she said.

She expressed faith in the power of collective action and believed the 2025 election could bring real change, even without substantial funding or political alliances.

“I believe that Filipinos coming together is the beginning of a change in the political landscape in the Philippines,” Mendoza said.

She also voiced optimism that she could draw the same level of support Robredo received in Negros Occidental, where Robredo won in the 2022 elections.

Mendoza met with supporters at the Planta Hotel on Wednesday morning, where she also held a media briefing before heading to Kabankalan City.