NPC’s Rep. Aumentado supports Binay

BUENAVISTA, BOHOL, Philippines – Representative Aristotle Erico Aumentado (2nd ditrict, Bohol), of the Nationalist People’s Coalition, yesterday voiced his categorical support for Vice President Jejomar Binay’s candidacy for president in the May 9 elections.

Aumentado’s declaration of support, according to political observers, had made Binay’s United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) stronger than ever, since the start of the official campaign in the so-called “solid north” of Bohol, the congressman’s bailiwick.

Aumentado issued the statement during the celebration of the 56th Foundation Day of Buenavista town, led by Mayor Ronald Lowell Tirol and attended by Philippine Councilors League chairperson Alma Moreno, UNA’s senatorial bet who delivered Binay’s message for the townsfolk from 35 barangays.

Aumentado however clarified that, despite his declaration of support for Binay, he is still loyal to and will remain an NPC party member.

Mayor Tirol, the UNA secretary-general for Bohol, said he was optimistic that the Aumentado’s bandwagon effect would attract more followers and leaders from the other camp to the Binay side.

Tirol told Aumentado that many of them have already declared their support for Binay saying that they saw Binay’s programs of government as beneficial for their constituents. One of these programs was the Binay’s presidency of not taxing those earning below P30,000 per month.

Alma Moreno, for her part, told the crowd not to believe in trump up reports, as circulated by detractors, that Binay would not continue the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) because he would continue this program for the poor when he is elected president.

Moreno also appealed to the town residents not to forget electing her for senator under UNA.

Other UNA supporters who attended the Buenavista celebration were: Provincial Board Member Tomas Abapo, Jr.; PCL-Bohol chapter president Antonio Ouano; Bien-Unido town Mayor Nino Rey Boniel; Getafe Mayor and UNA-Bohol chair Casey Shaun Camacho; Danao Mayor and UNA regional coordinator Tom Gonzaga; San Isidro Mayor Jacinto Naraga; Councilor Violy Reyes, Liga ng mga Barangay president of Ubay town; and Vice Mayors Epifanio Quimson of Talibon and Jonathan Reyes of San Miguel, among others.  (FREEMAN)