CLAIM: The rally of the Partido Reporma party in Tagum City in support of presidential candidate Leni Robredo was a flop.
RATING: False
A video commentary made by YouTuber PepzTV, whose channel describes itself as a defender against Duterte critics, claimed the Partido Reporma Rally held in Tagum City last April 7 did not draw a huge crowd in support of the presidential bid of Vice President Robredo.
The rally was organized by Partido Reporma Davao del Norte, headed by the province’s first district Representative and former House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez.
PepzTV’s video bannered the headline: “Guanzon, VP Leni at Moira Linangaw sa Tagum City Davao del Norte! 35K daw dumalo? Kiko hindi kasama!” (Guanzon, VP Leni and Moira flopped in Tagum City! 35,000 people attended? Why is Kiko not in attendance) had garnered 209,175 views; 11,000 likes and 1,623 comments after a week.
In that headline, the commentator claimed the rally did not reach 35,000 people as Robredo’s Facebook page announced by showing video clips of the early part of the program in the afternoon where the crowd was still gathering.
He also criticized the absence of Robredo’s running mate, Senator Francis Pangilinan in the rally; and hit retired Comelec Commissioner Rowena Guanzon whose speech focused on criticizing presidential bet Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr instead of presenting platforms.
The claims are misleading as it leaves out a lot of details and context.
FACTS:
Alvarez’ Partido Reporma has withdrawn its support to its standard bearer Senator Panfilo Lacson, but the party continues to support the candidacy of Senator Tito Sotto for Vice President. Pangilinan was not invited to be part of the rally.
The City Government of Tagum has officially declared the estimated crowd attendance was 35,000, and there are photos and videos shared on social media.
There are also video clips of the rally where Robredo spoke of her platform and her alliance with Reporma based on the common belief on good governance and clean, honest leadership.
Davao Today is part of #FactsFirstPH which brings together various sectors that are committed to promoting truth in the public space, and exacting accountability on those who harm it with lies. For those interested to join the initiative, email info@factsfirst.ph.
