Sen. Marcos claims Region 8 officials jumping ship to support his VP bid

TACLOBAN CITY, April 27 (PNA) – Vice presidential bet Sen. Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. claimed that some Liberal Party stalwarts in Eastern Visayas are jumping ships to back his candidacy.

Marcos said he is overwhelmed with the support not only by ordinary citizens in the region, but by local politicians who belong to the ruling party as well.

The senator claimed that some incumbent key officials have already endorsed his vice-presidential bid during his tour in Eastern Visayas that concluded on Tuesday.

“This is the most productive sortie that I ever had. I am thankful to my fellow Waray whom I had met in my two and a half days visit for their overwhelming support, not only to the residents in this region, but also to the political leadership, governors who cross political lines and left their political party for us,” Marcos told reporters.

Among those who jumped ships to support him, according to Marcos are Southern Leyte Governor Damian Mercado, Southern Leyte lone district Rep. Roger Mercado, Eastern Samar Governor Conrado Nicart, Borongan City Mayor Fe Abunda and Ormoc City Mayor Edward Codilla.

All officials are members of the ruling party whose bets are Mar Roxas for president and Rep. Leni Robredo for vice president.

However, in a statement released by the Liberal Party Southern Leyte Chapter, they clarified that the reception they did to Marcos was “merely a matter of courtesy and civility,” they normally extend to visiting officials and public servants.

“This should not be construed to the shift of loyalty and political endorsement.”

“The Liberal Party Southern Leyte remains united towards progress and development for our beloved province,” the statement added.

Marcos said that they expect to receive more help in the region to promote his vice-presidential bid considering that his mother, Former First Lady Imelda Romualdez-Marcos is a native of Leyte province. (PNA)
RMA/SQM/ROEL T. AMAZONA