Two mayors in Camarines Sur spoke out about the alleged report of them backing up presidential bet Ferdinand Marcos Jr amid bashing in social media coming from pro- Leni supporters.
Leni, being a Bicolana with residence in Camarines Sur, her supporters are expecting Mayors in Camarines Sur will unify to back her up.
But, few days ago, reports exploded that 11 Mayors from 35 towns had joined the Marcos camp with rumors that millions of pesos were dished out to the local executives backing up Marcos.
“Sipocot Mayor Bocago: vague talks, play of words”
Sipocot Mayor Tom Bocago gave an official statement regarding his alleged support for Marcos.
“I would not have paid attention to this issue because from the beginning, my countrymen knew my support and stand.”
“The direction of my Administration is clear, the late Ninong Jess Roberdo made an important contribution to the Political Principles of your servant. ”
Mayor Bocago said in local dialect: “Hinding hindi ko tatalikuran ang Pinunong subok ang kakayahan sa lahat ng panahon lalo na sa panahon ng pandemya. Lubos ang aking paghanga sa pinunong mahusay, walang bahid kurapsyon at malinis ang track record na uri ng pamamahala.”
In a play of words, Bocago says he will support the tested “Pinuno” but he never mention Leni is his presidential bet.
He gives credit to the late Jesse Robredo, Leni’s husband, for his “political principles”.
“Calabanga Mayor Severo: Endorse no one, playing safe”
The same play of words is noted on Calabanga Mayor Ed Severo
Mayor Severo made it clear that he did not endorse anything.
He said they are waiting for their Party’s decision.
Severo, referring to the Makati meeting with Marcos, “we don’t know at this point that BBM will be a guest.”
“Over reports that millions were given away just to support a presidential candidate, that is not true”.
Severo said he prefers mayors in Camarines Sur must not endorse any presidential candidate.
In a related development, Milaor Mayor Anthony Reyes and Pamplona Mayor Boy Franco vowed their support for Leni.
The sizzling issue had bursted out when 11 mayors attended a meeting of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP).
“Meeting with Marcos, Singson, Romualdez”
11 Camarines Sur Mayors attended the meeting with House Majority Leader Ferdinand Martin Romualdez in his residence in Makati City, with LMP President and Mayor Luis ‘Chavit’ Singson of Nagcarlan, Ilocos Sur.
Marcos, cousin of Romualdez, also attended the meeting that ended with manifestations of support and pictorials. There was mention of money, as reported in social media.
The 11 Mayors are: San Fernando Mayor and LMP Provincial President Fermin Mabulo; Migay Ibasco of Bula; Tom Bocago of Sipocot; Del Gallego Mayor Melanie Abarientos; Cabusao Mayor Weny “Apang” Sabalbero; Canaman Mayor Nelson Legaspi; Milaor Mayor Anthony “Labas” Reyes; Calabanga Mayor Ed Severo; Minalabac Mayor Chris Lizardo; Gainza Mayor Nanding Agor and Pamplona Mayor Boy Franco.