Team PNoy seeks end to ‘common bets’ issue

CARMONA, Cavite, Philippines – The leaders and members of administration Team PNoy want to put an end to debates over whether three of their candidates should join the sorties of the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA).

They said the issue over Senators Loren Legarda and Francis Escudero and Grace Poe-Llamanzares has diverted the attention of the electorate from more pressing issues in the midterm election.

Much has been said by the members of UNA about the failure of the three to attend its proclamation rally and succeeding sorties.

Team PNoy considers the three as its own candidates and so their inclusion in the senatorial slate of UNA should only be as guests.

All three have been made to respond to the threats of UNA to remove them from its senatorial slate, something that the members of Team PNoy say they have grown tired of hearing.

“UNA should stop whining and complaining about the failure of its three adopted candidates to attend UNA rallies and present its platform of governance and what they have done to deserve the people’s mandate,” said Sen. Franklin Drilon, the campaign manager of Team PNoy.

The same statement was made by Liberal Party stalwart Sen. Francis Pangilinan.

Pangilinan said the focus should no longer be on the attendance of the three guest candidates in the sorties of UNA.

“There are more important matters that need our focus and attention, such as the urgent need to ensure that the reform efforts of this administration are not derailed by electing those who do not share the vision of the President,” he said.

There were also allegations that Team PNoy has started using government funds to finance the administration candidates.

Team PNoy spokesman Marikina Rep. Miro Quimbo said UNA should file a case for violation of the Election Code if it has basis to do so.

“UNA should not air its accusations against administration candidates in the media. They should go to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) if they have evidence to back up their complaints,” Quimbo said.

He said if UNA limits its forum to the media, it means that it is just after publicity.

“The Comelec has proven its independence, and I am sure it will entertain any complaint for violation of the Election Code as long as there is evidence,” he said.

Quimbo said President Aquino has made it clear to Team PNoy senatorial candidates that they should not use government funds in their campaign.

He said if there are ongoing government projects in the areas where the administration ticket is campaigning, such programs and projects should continue.

“This administration has programs, especially the much-needed social and health protection services, that we need to implement. The government is allowed by the law to continue its programs,” Quimbo stressed. – With Paolo Romero