Abigail Valte
MANILA, Philippines—Malacañang asked Friday that Filipinos in the US vote for Jessica Sanchez on the finals of the 11th season of the hit talent competition American Idol.
Asked if Malacañang would call on Filipinos in the US to vote for Sanchez, Abigail Valte, one of President Aquino’s spokespersons, replied, “Yes, certainly.”
“Please show your support in any way possible for Jessica Sanchez. This is the last stretch and we know that when Filipinos gather and put their minds to it, it will happen,” Valte said at Friday’s regular Palace news briefing.
The latest census showed that 3.4 million Americans identified themselves as Filipino. There are an estimated one million more undocumented.
Aquino lead spokesman Edwin Lacierda said Sanchez “inspires us to pursue excellence in everything we do—no matter how big or small the stage may be.”
“Excellence knows no boundaries. The power of music uplifts us all. The entire Filipino people have united in admiration and enthusiasm over the performances of Jessica Sanchez in American Idol,” Lacierda said in a statement.
“Her perseverance and passion have inspired and surprised not just America, but the whole world with a voice that is as powerful as it is stirring. As we move on to the final stage of the competition, we stand in solidarity with Jessica Sanchez as she shows the world what Filipinos are capable of,” he added.