‘Cayetano humiliated namesake, family with visit’

Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano of the Genuine Opposition (GO) practically humiliated his namesake and political rival when he went to his home and even kissed the hand of the mother, who was a total stranger to him, lamented Kilusang Bagong Lipunan (KBL) senatorial candidate Oliver Lozano yesterday.

"After insulting him, he even went to the home of Joselito to shame his family," Lozano told The STAR at the KBL headquarters in Quezon City.

He said Joselito, who is representing the labor sector in the KBL senatorial lineup, was deeply hurt when he saw his family being used in the political propaganda of his namesake.

Television footage showed the mother of Joselito in tears while a brother was visibly irked when asked about his candidacy.

"It was a very cheap shot, it reflects the true nature of Alan Peter," Lozano said of the Taguig-Pateros congressman.

In a position paper submitted to the Commission on Elections (Comelec), Joselito had accused the lawmaker Cayetano as "mentally dishonest and arrogant" when he petitioned to declare him as a nuisance candidate.

"Kaming mga mahirap may sarili ding dangal. May likas na dunong na ipinagkaloob ng Diyos at mas mataas na antas kaysa pinagaralan (Us poor have our honor as well, an inborn intelligence bestowed by God and the smarts not learned in the classroom)," Joselito said.

Lozano insisted that his client filed his candidacy and used "Joselito Pepito," while the congressman used "Alan Peter," which are two different names.

He alleged that Cayetano tried to use Ilocos Norte Gov. Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos to discredit his rival. But unless the Comelec rules otherwise, Lozano stressed, Joselito Pepito remains as their senatorial bet representing the labor sector.

Lozano said that as titular head of the KBL, Marcos might not endorse a senatorial candidate because the function for nominating candidates belongs to KBL chairman and president Vicente Millora.

"We denounce Cong. Alan Cayetano for employing divide and rule tactics. He should not mislead Governor Marcos into issuing a certification that would make it appear the nomination of (Joselito) is not valid for lack of Governor Marcos’ nomination," Lozano said. "It’s true that Governor Marcos did not nominate senatorial candidate Joselito Cayetano, however, his nomination by the KBL president and chairman Millora remains valid."

Marcos meanwhile doubts Joselito will be disqualified by the Comelec from the May senatorial race. Otherwise, he said, First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo "will get angry" at the poll body.

Marcos earlier denied having endorsed Joselito as KBL senatorial bet.

He claimed Joselito’s candidacy had the blessings of the First Gentleman, who is at odds with Rep. Cayetano over the lawmaker’s accusations that he keeps secret bank accounts in Germany.

"E di magalit sa kanila si Mike (Mike will get angry at them)," Marcos said when asked what would happen if the Comelec prohibits Joselito from running. "I doubt it (Joselito will be disqualified)." – With Teddy Molina