Isko Moreno supporters group joins Robredo’s 'pink' wave after attempts of unification
MANILA, Philippines — A group of supporters of presidential candidate and incumbent Manila Mayor Isko Moreno are now backing the bid of vice president Leni Robredo for the country’s top post after failed unification talks.
In a conference on Tuesday, Ikaw Muna (IM) Pilipinas volunteers said they shifted their support because they want to unify and stand behind a candidate that can beat Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.
“We are not now just fighting for the presidency [as] supporters and volunteers of these candidates. We are fighting for our country. Saan tayo pupunta (where we are going after) the elections,” former MMDA general manager and former overall coordinator of Moreno’s volunteer groups Tim Orbos said.
While they recognize that the sins of the father — alluding to the late president who — are not of the son’s, they noted of what Marcos Jr.’s return to Malacañan would symbolize.
“The resurrection of the Marcoses through its inept, unqualified, and overly entitled heir is our country’s real and present danger now,” the group’s secretary general Elmer Argaño said.
Only praises, good words for Moreno
However, the group said they harbor no ill feelings and only have praises for the Manila mayor. They said Moreno still has all the qualities of a leader they want.
“In a different time, different place–he could have been a good leader and he is a good leader. And I believe that the future is open for him… but times are different right now,” Orbos said.
The group’s switch comes in the heels of IM Pilipinas Visayas Chapter declaring support for Robredo and IM Pilipinas Zamboanga chapter’s announcement of backing instead the candidacy of Robredo and Sara Duterte’s vice presidential campaign.
Moreno’s camp earlier brushed off reports of groups withdrawing their support for the Manila mayor’s candidacy, saying the announcements might not reflect the sentiments of every volunteer and member.
IM Pilipinas’ network is said to have 20,000 active members on top of 200,000 to 300,000 volunteers across 30 provincial chapters.
Robredo in 'best position to win'
Marcos Jr. has been leading surveys but the group noted that Robredo is “now in the best position to win.” The group is rebranding from IM Pilipinas to IM Leni.
The latest Pulse Asia Research Survey showed that Robredo gained nine percentage points to 24% even as Marcos Jr., who dropped by four percentage points to 56%, led the pre-election poll. Moreno ranked third with an eight percent voter preference.
The group said Robredo’s steady increase, along with the support seen on-ground, “should be telling.” Andrew Masigan, who joined the conference, also took note of Robredo’s clear economic agenda for the country.
IM Leni said they tried to talk to other candidates and volunteers two weeks ago. Save for the camps of Robredo and Laban ng Masa presidential aspirant Leody de Guzman, all other candidates have rejected their call for unification.
However, they continue to call on other supporters and volunteers of other presidential aspirants to rally behind Robredo, asking them to also convince their candidates to support her.
Robredo’s spokesman Barry Gutierrez said they are honored to receive the support of IM Leni.
“We believe that this coming together in shared hope, regardless of the colors we choose to wear, is what will bring victory, not just for a particular candidate on election day, but for the Filipino people over the next six years,” Gutierrez said.
In a separate statement, 1Sambayan said the group’s support is “a clear sign that the whole country is now being overwhelmed by the Pink Wave.” — Kaycee Valmonte with report from Xave Gregorio
- Latest
- Trending
