Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 1) — The party of presidential bet Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno is still acknowledging the endorsement of a faction of Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) despite criticism from its key officials.
Aksyon Demokratiko chairman Ernesto Ramel said it’s typical that factions exist within a political party.
“These endorsements, maraming lumalapit na mga grupo, candidates from different political parties are switching to Isko so nagsasabi sila na gusto namin sumama so this is not unique,” Ramel argued.
(Translation: “These endorsements, many groups are reaching out. Candidates from different political parties are switching to Isko saying they want to join, so this is not unique.”)
A PFP wing led by Abubakar Mangelen recently endorsed Moreno for president, but party officials slammed the announcement and reiterated their support for Bongbong Marcos.
Aksyon Demokratiko has been criticizing Marcos for his family’s unpaid estate tax that has ballooned to over P200 billion.
Ramel called on the Bureau of Internal Revenue to make public its December 2021 demand letter to the Marcoses to settle the tax liability.
Senator Imee Marcos said her mother, former first lady Imelda Marcos, did not receive a letter.
“We call on our commissioner, respectfully sir if you could make this demand letter public since Senator Imee Marcos is saying she hasn’t seen it, they haven’t received it. Baka if you make it public, makita na nila at sabihin nila na ay meron nga pala,” Ramel said.
(Translation: “Maybe if you make it public, they will see it and say that there was a letter.”)
Aksyon Demokratiko also noted that the Marcoses were behind the fake news being spread about the sale of the Divisoria public market.
Manila City Councilor Princess Abante, who joined Aksyon Demokratiko’s press conference, insisted that the sale of the property was above board, and the proceeds were used to provide assistance for Manila residents affected by the health crisis.
