THE camp of Manila Mayor and Aksyon Demokratiko standard bearer Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso yesterday rejected proposed new unity talks for him and other presidential candidates geared to beat former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in the May 9 elections.
Moreno’s chief campaign strategist, Lito Banayo, said the unity being dangled by the camp of Vice President Leni Robredo is borne out her own ambition to become the country’s next president by riding on the anti-Marcos sentiment.
“It’s about people, it’s not about warring factions. It’s not about exclusive factions who think they are morally upright compared to the rest of humanity. So, I don’t think that will prosper,” Banayo said, adding this is precisely the reason why Moreno is making himself available as a viable alternative presidential candidate.
He said Moreno remained focused on his plans on how to uplift the quality of lives of ordinary Filipinos, and not on the basis of political factionalism or personal ambition.
Despite the wide lead of Marcos over Robredo and Moreno, Banayo said it is unwise to based decisions on survey ratings.
Earlier, Moreno assured his supporters that he will continue his presidential bid despite facing tough prospects. He said he is confident the people, especially the “silent majority,” knows whom to choose and vote in the coming elections.
He also said his team will continue reaching out to the electorate directly and shun big rallies, similar to what other presidential contenders are doing.
Banayo also downplayed the withdrawal of support to Moreno’s presidential bid by Ikaw Muna Pilipinas-Cebu chapter in favor of Robredo.
Lito Banayo said various sectoral and volunteer groups in the Visayas remained solid in their support of Moreno.
“Only one person is talking and that is Mr. Nick Malazarte while there are statements coming from Visayas for Isko and other groups in Cebu denying his claim,” Banayo said during a press briefing at the Isko Moreno Domagoso for President headquarters in Intramuros, Manila.
Banayo said Moreno is even scheduled to visit Cebu province on April 8 and 9 where he will meet with his supporters.
“That’s why we don’t know what Mr.Malazarte is saying that they have transferred their support to Vice President Leni Robredo,” he added.
Banayo’s claim were bolstered by leaders of various groups in the Visayas who pointed out that Malazarte’s presence is hardly felt on the ground despite his claims as the leader of the IM Pilipinas chapter.
Dr. Winley Dela Fuente, head of the Visayas for Isko-Sara Alliance (VISA), said in a statement that Malazarte has not been actively participating in the activities of the sectoral groups in the Visayas that are pushing Moreno’s presidential candidacy.
His statement was echoed by Edward Ligas, head of President Isko Movement-Isulong ang Kapakanan ng Pilipinas and Ely Abella, head of Inisyatibo ng Makabayang Pilipino who claimed the Manila mayor is actually getting more support in the Visayas region with at least 30 sectoral groups supporting his candidacy.
Malazarte announced last Monday in a press conference in Cebu that his group is shifting support from Moreno to Robredo.
