Mar unfazed by criticisms over comics that depicted him as hero

MANILA, Philippines - Liberal Party (LP) presidential candidate Manuel "Mar" Roxas II is unfazed by the backlash stirred by the comic book that portrayed him as a hero during the height of typhoon “Yolanda” amid claims that he displayed weak leadership during the disaster.

Roxas thanked his supporters who are behind the production and distribution of the comics, which was seen to have backfired on his candidacy due to the numerous negative comments it generated.

And while critics are questioning the truthfulness of the comics, Roxas regarded it as an explanation of the events that transpired while the typhoon was wreaking havoc in some parts of the country.

“I thank our supporters for creating the comics and for shedding light on the events during that time. Comics is part of our culture and is part of a regular or conventional campaign,” the LP standard bearer told reporters in Quezon province Tuesday.

Roxas believes supporters of his rivals are ganging up on the comic book because it was an effective medium.

“To those who appreciated (the comics), I thank them. To those who reacted negatively, they are most likely allies of my rivals. Maybe they saw that it was effective so they reacted in a negative way. That’s the way it is,” he said.

When a reporter asked if he did not see anything wrong with the comics, Roxas replied: “What would I tell them? Stop?”

He also kept mum when asked if he has seen the comic book and how much of it was true.

“Many materials come out. I thank them for showing it. That’s it,” the LP presidential bet said.

At one point of the interview, Roxas asked reporters whether the comics is the biggest issue of the day. He later on told reporters that the “issue of the day” is the money laundering controversy, which he claimed, would cast doubts on the money that enters and leaves the country if not given enough media attention.

The comic book titled “Sa Gitna ng Unos” (In the middle of a storm) depicted Roxas as an action man who faced risks while typhoon “Yolanda” was ravaging the Visayas. He was also portrayed as a public servant who is ready to sacrifice his personal ambitions for the sake of the country.

The comic book also claimed that people involved in illegal activities are afraid of a Roxas victory in the 2016 polls so they are exerting efforts to discredit him.