MANILA — Convenors of the Black and White Movement Enteng Romano III, Manolo Quezon III, Leah Navarro, together with former DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman, arrived in Naga City today to show their support to beleaguered Naga City Mayor Jesse Robredo and white listed candidate for the 1st District of Camarines Sur, Sabas “Abang” Mabulo.
In a statement made upon arrival, the convenors denounced the arrogance and brazenness of the Comelec in disqualifying Naga City Mayor Jesse Robredo on the basis of his citizenship, an issue that has already been decided in favor of Robredo by the Comelec en banc and the Supreme Court in no less than three rulings. It is a clear case of political harassment and patronage for a favored candidate, authored by Commissioners Brawner and Ferrer. In the first place, they should have inhibited themselves from this case, both are known to having close ties as classmate and law firm partner, respectively, with Congressman Luis Villafuerte whose nephew, Jojo, is running against Robredo.
Romano said, “We should all be sad and angry when an icon of good governance recognized by the international community and whose leadership in local government has served as a template for other cities in the Philippines and other countries is stripped of his right to run for office on the basis of a technical farce by the very institution who is supposed to promote fair play and guard the sanctity of the electoral process.”
The convenors also expressed their unequivocal support for Mayor Sabas Mabulo who is in a David-and-Goliath battle against Dato Macapagal Arroyo for the congressional seat of the 1st District of Camarines Sur. They challenged the Bicolanos, “Are there now no “oragons” left in Bicol that you will now have a non-Bicolano represent you? Mabulo is not only a bona-fide Bicolano, he has also a proven track record of good governance. Will you let the promise of dole-outs from Malacanang trample the Bicolano pride?”
Abang Mabulo is widely known in his area as a good executive, an honest and trustworthy leader. Apart from his signature “anting anting” for good luck, an eleventh digit, Abang is running a very lean campaign compared to his opponent. Abang ran for mayor three times with campaign budgets less than Php30,000, and continues this frugal method, more concerned that his constituents vote for him on the basis of his good record and sincere heart than in gratitude for a basket of goodies and cash dole outs.
The Black and White Movement called on residents of Naga City and Camarines Sur to declare their indignation against the repressive and punitive ways of the GMA regime by giving Jesse Robredo and Abang Mabulo landslide victories on Monday. – END
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2007 Elections
