Former GMA allies welcome to help Daang Matuwid team

BACOLOR, Pampanga – Former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo may be President Benigno Aquino III’s favorite punching bag but her allies are welcome to help the ruling Liberal Party (LP) and its coalition partners.

Koalisyon ng Daang Matuwid candidates led by LP presidential bet Manuel Roxas II  held sorties on Tuesday in this province – a known bailiwick of Arroyo – to lure voters before the Holy Week break.

It was the administration coalition’s second visit to the Central Luzon province in five days. Roxas and his party mates were welcomed by local officials led by the provincial governor Lilia Pineda, a known political ally of Arroyo.    

Pineda’s husband Rodolfo has been accused of setting up jueteng or illegal numbers game in Pampanga, which has 1.2 million registered voters. Rodolfo has denied any involvement in jueteng, which is allegedly tolerated by some influential politicians and policemen and is popular among low-income residents. 

Interestingly, Roxas launched a campaign against the numbers game during his stint as interior secretary as part of the Aquino administration’s “straight path” or tuwid na daan policy.

Roxas said Arroyo’s allies are supporting his party because of the Aquino administration’s programs that benefitted their constituents.

“They have seen the type of service that we provided in the last five years. The service reached their province, town and city. We did not ask them what political party they belong to,” the LP standard bearer said.

“Maybe they appreciated the fact that we treated them fairly,” he added.

Despite Pineda’s supposed link to jueteng and the Aquino administration’s emphasis on good governance, LP vice presidential bet Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo said the governor is welcome to help the party.

“Let’s put it in the proper context. We did not form an alliance because of her links to jueteng. We welcome the help of Gov. Pineda because she was recognized and admired for the good things she did to Pampanga and the delivery of basic services,” Robredo said.

Robredo even went as far as saying that Pineda’s performance should be emulated by other local officials.

“I appreciate all offers but if something is asked in return, that will be a different story,” the vice presidential candidate said.

“Was her (Pineda) offer overshadowed by stories about jueteng? Her support should not be overshadowed because she is not asking anything for return,” she added.

Robredo, nevertheless, clarified that she is against jueteng. She said her late husband, former interior secretary Jesse Robredo, fought against the proliferation of the game.

Aside from Pineda, other Arroyo allies who have expressed support for the administration coalition include former executive secretary Eduardo Ermita and former House speaker Jose de Venecia Jr.