Optimus Prime to carry ‘Transformers’ in campaign

The “Transformers" will kick off their campaign for the May elections on board Optimus Prime. The Transformers refer to the tandem of Sen. Richard Gordon and Bayani Fernando, and Optimus Prime is the 10-wheel Isuzu truck that will carry them throughout their motorcade. “This is to show that they are the leaders who will eliminate evil by doing good and [will] lead the Philippines toward change," said Mark Trinidad, the team’s media officer, in an interview with GMANews.TV. Optimus Prime is the heroic leader of the Autobots, leader of the protagonists in the popular cartoon series The Transformers, which is about giant robots that can transform into vehicles. The series has been turned into two blockbuster movies by Hollywood. The truck will also signify modernization and advancement, said Red Garcia, head of the tandem's media bureau. “Kailangan ma-transform ang buhay ng Pilipino from kahirapan (the lives of Filipinos must be transformed from poverty) to advancement." Trinidad said it was Fernando, a former Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman, who suggested that their official vehicle be called Optimus Prime. He said the tandem hopes to attract the youth, especially the kids. “[Fernando’s] idea was to attract the youth including the children so the children will keep on saying transformers. And [in turn] their parents will also be curious," he said. The truck is painted with the tandem's political color, red and blue, and will be equipped with speakers that will continuously air Gordon and Fernando's platform. The team will hold their first political rally at the hometown of Gordon's grandfather in Imus, Cavite. Their motorcade from Muntinlupa city will start at 9 a.m., while the kick-off rally will begin 5 p.m. at the Imus plaza. - KBK, GMANews.TV