SEN. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan yesterday said some politicians are trying to undermine his and Vice President Leni Robredo’s “People’s Campaign” in pushing for hybrid or cross-party pairings for the May 9 elections.
In a campaign rally in Calbayog in Samar, Pangilinan asked the crowd of around 5,000 supporters if they would allow politicians or groups to ignore Robredo’s choice of running mate.
Albay Rep. Joey Salceda and his group recently announced support for Leni Robredo-Sara Duterte-Carpio tandem, or “Ro-Sa.” Salceda, Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, and Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco launched their “Ro-Sa” campaign in Cagayan de Oro City.
Presidential daughter Duterte-Carpio is the running mate of Robredo’s biggest rival and political nemesis, former Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
“Yung maniobra ng mga politiko parang gusto nila lusawin yung People’s Campaign. Ang taumbayan ang humiling kay VP Leni na tumakbo siya. At noong tumakbo siya at nag-desisyon, tayo ang kinuha bilang vice president, so andito na tayo (The politicians’ maneuvering seems to be aimed at destroying the people’s campaign. The people were the ones who asked VP Leni to run and when she did, she chose me to be her vice presidential candidate. That’s why I’m here),” he told the crowd at the Calbayog City Sports Center.
Pangilinan said those who are pushing for the cross-party tandem are just trying to divert the people’s attention from the Leni-Kiko tandem.
Pangilinan and Robredo are barnstorming Samar and Leyte where the tandem are expected to win more alliances with local politicians and political leaders.
In the next three days, the tandem will visit Western Samar, Northern Samar, Leyte, Biliran, Ormoc City, and Southern Leyte.
Among those present in the Samar campaign were former interior secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento, Eastern Samar Gov. Ben Evardone, Northern Samar Gov. Edwin Ongchuan, Calbayog City Mayor Diego Rivera, and Vice Mayor Jimjim Uy.
The Vice President vowed to give Samar all the help and attention it needs if she becomes President, particularly in the construction of more public roads.
As the campaign season further heats up, Caritas Philippines appealed to the public to avoid making “below the belt statements” against candidates.
“Let us denounce what is wrong and the lies. But let us not destroy the character, the lives of candidates. We denounce but let us not destroy the candidates,” Caritas Philippines executive secretary Fr Tony Labiao said in a briefing.
Heated arguments are occur on social media.
Caritas said instead of getting into arguments, voters can make the proper discernment in choosing their candidates using the five-point “LASER” test on their candidates.
“This asks voters to judge their chosen candidates according to their Lifestyle, Accomplishments, Sources of support, Election conduct, and Reputation in the community” said Labiao. — With Gerard Naval
