Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 5) — Volunteer group Ikaw Muna (IM) Pilipinas wants presidential candidates to “unite” to block the possible return of the Marcoses to Malacañang.
“Some of the members of our volunteers did shift to Leni. Pero ako (But) personally, I’m pushing for a unity call,” IM Pilipinas lead convenor Tim Orbos told CNN Philippines’ Politics As Usual.
The group’s Visayas chapter — which has about 11,000 members — is now backing the candidacy of Vice President Leni Robredo, dropping its endorsement of Manila Mayor Isko Moreno.
It defended its position, stressing that the decision was part of its “patriotic duty” to prevent a Marcos from retaking the country’s highest post.
“The important thing is they sit down right now. Time is of the essence,” Orbos said. “There’s nothing wrong in talking and reaching out.”
However, the Moreno camp believes coalition talks would be difficult to do now.
“Magandang pakinggan ang (It’s good to have) unity or coalescing to fight a perceived threat to democracy. But I’ve been in so many coalition building, there were so much treachery in these coalition talks,” Moreno’s campaign manager Lito Banayo said.
“Dapat ‘yan noong bago nag-file ng certificates of candidacy, sinsero ang ginawang usapan para magkaron ng unity,” he added.
[Translation: They should have pursued a sincere discussion to unite before they filed their certificates of candidacy.]
