Pro-Moreno groups downplay Ikaw Muna Pilipinas’ dropping of Isko (Sabong News)

CEBU CITY—Good riddance. This was the reaction of the various sectoral groups backing the presidential bid of Isko Moreno after “Ikaw Muna Pilipinas” turned its back on the Manila mayor and shifted to Vice President Leni Robredo. Dr. Winley Deal Fuente, head of the Visayas for Isko-Sara Alliance (VISA), said that Nick Malazarte of IM Pilipinas Visayas has not been actively participating in the activities of the sectoral groups in the Visayas that are pushing Moreno’s candidacy. “I know him (Malazarte) personally because we belong to one fraternity but I have not met him in our activities. He had not done anything in our campaign,” said Dela Fuente hours after Malazarte announced in a press briefing on Monday that his group is shifting support to Robredo. Malazarte cited Moreno’s poor showing in surveys that prompted them to shift to Robredo. Malazarte said it is only through Robredo that the Marcoses can be prevented from returning to power. But Edward Ligas, head of President Isko Movement-Isulong ang Kapakanan ng Pilipina, said that contrary to surveys, Moreno is getting tremendous support on the ground. “We know the pulse on the ground. We are focused on mass recruitment and we are not depending on surveys,” Ligas said. Ligas said there are at least 30 sectoral groups in the Visayas backing Moreno and the IM Pilipinas’ decision to shift its support has no effect on the Manila mayor’s campaign. “We have nothing to worry, we are not jolted. We are the ones who know what’s really happening on the ground. We hardly felt his (Malazarte) presence so we can really say that his decision to leave is good riddance,” Ligas said. Dela Fuente went on to compare Malazarte to a traditional politician. “He is just like a “trapo.” When numbers are low, you suddenly shift allegiance. A person with that kind of mentality is a liability. It’s good that he left. Thank you, we have one less liability,” said Dela Fuente. Ely Abella, head of Inisyatibo ng Makabayang Pilino, agreed with Dela Fuente. “We really don’t need that kind of a person, we have one less liability with his departure from the group,” said Abella, a university professor. Dela Fuente said Malazarte’s didn’t have solid followers that can help boost Moreno’s bid and his decision to leave will be hardly felt. Dela Fuente said the pro-Moreno groups comprising VISA have done the needed preparations for the Manila mayor’s upcoming Cebu sorties. Moreno will have a campaign sortie in Lapu-Lapu City on April 8 and another one on April 9 that will be hosted by Cebu 3rd District Rep. Pablo John Garcia.