Volunteers for Isko Moreno remain intact

MANILA, Philippines — The volunteer movement for the candidacy of Manila Mayor Isko Moreno remains intact, following a Visayas chapter’s move to support Vice President Leni Robredo, a party official said yesterday.

Aksyon Demokratiko chairman Ernest Ramel said the move of the Visayas chapter of Ikaw Muna (IM) Pilipinas to switch to Robredo does not reflect the decision of the entire volunteer organization.

This even though IM Pilipinas secretary general Elmer Argaño and national convenor Tim Orbos on Monday said they are considering following suit, especially if Moreno does not improve his survey ratings.

“I have received messages from different chapters of IM Pilipinas saying they will not leave Isko,” Ramel said.

He also quoted a volunteer pushing for the Isko-Sara Duterte tandem in the Visayas, saying “Good riddance!” in reaction to IM Pilipinas Visayas coordinator Nick Malazarte’s decision to switch to Robredo.

Malazarte was not active in campaigning for Moreno there, Ramel said.

“I don’t want to downplay their role. But one volunteer chapter does not make a whole volunteer organization,” Ramel said.

In a separate interview with dzMM, Malazarte urged the other candidates – including Moreno – to withdraw and throw their support for Robredo as the contender to beat the late dictator’s son Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Aksyon Demokratiko, the political party founded by the late senator Raul Roco, will stand by Moreno until the end, Ramel said.