Mar on wife Korina attending events: What's the issue?

MANILA, Philippines - Liberal Party (LP) presidential candidate Manuel Roxas II on Tuesday denied reports that his wife, broadcaster Korina Sanchez, joined the distribution of funds and equipment to farmers in a government event in Tagum City last weekend.

“No, she (Sanchez) was not present during the distributions,” Roxas told reporters in Davao del Norte.

“Do I need to comment on baseless claims?” he added.

Roxas said there should be no issue if Sanchez accepts invitations to events.

“She is often invited to events to deliver messages. If it fits her schedule, she attends,” he added.

When a reporter insisted that Sanchez was present in the Agriculture department’s events in Tagum and Kidapawan, Roxas replied: “So?” 

Photos published recently by the website Politiko showed Sanchez and Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala being welcomed by Sarangani Gov. Steve Solon during an event dubbed as “Farmers Hearts Day.” Machines for rice and corn programs worth P26 million were turned over to the local government during the event, according to the website.

When asked if Sanchez is campaigning for him, Roxas said there is nothing wrong if his wife joins him in his sorties.

“Is there a rule that prohibits her from traveling and campaigning for his husband? What is the issue? That she is campaigning for his husband? Is it right or wrong or illegal?” the LP standard bearer said.  

“Diretsuhin mo ako. Misis ko ito (Be direct to the point. This is about my wife). Are you saying that my wife is using (state resources)? First, she used a private vehicle. She used private money. She was invited,” he added.

“Maybe you are creating an issue out of a non-issue.”

On Saturday, the camp of Davao City Mayor and presidential candidate Rodrigo Duterte criticized Sanchez for allegedly joining the distribution of equipment and financial assistance to farmers in Tagum City.

Duterte's spokesperson Peter Laviña claimed that Sanchez has become an “accomplice” in “shameless acts that conditions the electorate to accept dole outs in exchange for votes” and “creative vote-buying.”

Laviña also questioned Sanchez’s presence in the activity since she is not an employee of the Agriculture Department.