Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 22) — Mayor Tomas Bocago of Sipocot, Camarines Sur on Saturday denied supporting presidential aspirant Bongbong Marcos, saying the photo showing him and his fellow mayors beside the former senator was from a meeting that had nothing to do with a political endorsement.
Bocago clarified that the gathering among the 11 mayors, wherein Marcos was seen in attendance, was for the Mayor’s League-Camarines Sur Chapter.
“Sa hindi maiiwasang pagkakataon, nakaugalian na sa mga pagtitipon ang pagkuha ng mga litrato at nakasama ang inyong lingkod at si BBM sa isang larawan na naging mainit na usap-usapan sa social media at maging sa ilang radio at pahayagan hanggang sa kasalukuyan,” said Bocago in a statement.
[Translation: In a situation that we couldn’t avoid because it was customary for people to take pictures when they meet with each other, I was included in the photo with BBM that became the source of a heated discussion on social media and even on radios and newspapers until now.]
Bocago declared that his loyalty lies with the late Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo, the Vice President’s husband. He closed his remarks with the hashtag #SipocotSupportsLeniRobredo.
“Hinding hindi ko tatalikuran ang Pinunong subok ang kakayahan sa lahat ng panahon lalo na sa panahon ng pandemya,” the mayor stressed. “Lubos ang aking paghanga sa pinunong mahusay, walang bahid kurapsyon at malinis ang track record na uri ng pamamahala.”
[Translation: I will not turn my back on a leader who has always proven her capabilities especially during the pandemic. I have utmost admiration for leaders who are competent, who have no traces of corruption, and who has a clean track record in governance.]
It was the Marcos camp who first shared the photo of Marcos with the mayors, claiming they were throwing support for the presidential bet.
Apart from Bocago, two other mayors have debunked this claim.
Milaor Mayor Anthony “Lahbas” Reyes declared his support for Robredo in a social media post, while Pamplona Mayor Boy Franco spoke to Rappler, saying his vote will go to the vice president.
CNN Philippines is trying to reach Franco for confirmation.
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