UNA bets degrade Drilon, Roxas clout in Iloilo, Capiz

ILOILO CITY, Philippines  â€” How administration allies Senator Franklin Drilon and DILG Secretary Mar Roxas fared in their respective hometowns was heavily tackled during the United Nationalist Alliance’s press conference in this city last Monday.

UNA senatorial and local candidates assailed the “not-so outstanding performance” of Drilon and Roxas in Iloilo and Capiz provinces, known bailiwicks of the Liberal Party, during the 2010 presidential elections.

For senatorial bet, Rep. Mitos Magsaysay of Zambales, whose grandmother was the 1st cousin of Mar’s grandfather, said there was no Roxas magic here and that a number of their relatives have shied away from supporting the secretary.

“Baka ‘yung Roxas magic is ‘yung kay dating Pres. Roxas (Mar’s grandfather)?” Magsaysay told the local media, adding that the 2010 elections showed the so-so perfomance of Mar even in a not so big province of Capiz.

“Despite Capiz being much touted as Roxas country, Vice President Jejomar Binay still won in two towns here,” said Magsaysay.

She also cited that Mar failed to unseat Rep. Fredenil Castro of Capiz’s 2nd district. “For me, the mere fact that VP Binay lost by a mere 10,000 in Capiz even without leaders tells what is the demeanor of the Capizenos as far as electing officials is concerned. That means, hindi po hawak ni Mar Roxas ang Capiz. That’s why, they are really desperate this time,” she added.

Meanwhile, Iloilo’s 4th district Rep. Ferjenil Biron, who is now running for governor, said that Drilon could not claim that Iloilo would follow the latter.

In the 2010 polls, Biron said Drilon supported outgoing Gov. Niel Tupas, Sr. in the latter’s congressional bid against him. “The result of his endorsement: Tupas lost by 50,000 votes,” the solon said.

Iloilo’s 2nd district Rep. Augusto Syjuco said the best thing that happened to UNA was the appointment of Drilon as LP’s campaign manager in the 2nd and 4th districts of the province. “I don’t think that Drilon could even win as barangay captain in my district,” he said.

Syjuco claimed that Drilon has no grip among Ilonggo voters. “We’ll see soon the results of what Drilon is capable of and not capable of. And we can judge from there the future of the good senator.”

Sunday’s press conference preceded UNA’s proclamation rally in Barotac Nuevo town of Iloilo and Mandurriao district in Iloilo City.  (FREEMAN)