Friday, April 02, 2004
Garin obtains P1-M booty from Lopezes
* The campaign fund has "no strings attached"; they don't expect anything in return for it, Garin says
* He adds that with Lopez's support, he is confident that he would win in the 2nd District
FIRST District Rep. Oscar Garin Sr., Lakas-CMD gubernatorial bet, said he received a P1-million campaign fund from the Lopezes after former 2nd District Rep. Albertito Lopez committed to support him in the May 10 elections.
"Aside from the endorsement, the family gave me donation of P1 million," Garin said.
The congressman said the campaign fund has "no strings attached".
They do not expect anything in return for it, Garin said, adding the fund he got would greatly help his campaign.
He added that the Lopez family also shelled out P500,000 for the congressional bid of his daughter-in-law, Board Member Janette Garin, in the 1st District.
Moreover, Garin brushed aside criticisms that the support he got from the Lopezes would not exactly translate to victory.
"No matter what they say, a Lopez is still a Lopez. I value a Lopez," he said.
The congressman said that Lopez's declaration that he would fully support his gubernatorial bid debunks the report of another local newspaper that it is his rival, reelectionist Gov. Niel Tupas Sr. that would be supported by Lopez.
I'm very glad that they have been proven wrong, he said.
Lopez, who earlier committed to support Tupas, said he cannot anymore support Tupas as the governor has reconciled with 2nd District Rep. Augusto Syjuco with whom he has "personal differences."
He said cannot be in the same party with Syjuco.
Moreover, Lopez, regional vice chairman of Lakas-CMD, said that as an official of the ruling party, he "should only support Lakas candidates."
Garin said that with Lopez's support, he is confident that he would win in the 2nd District.
"I will win in the 2nd District. I don't have any doubts, I have full confidence," he said, adding that aside from the Lopezes, there also anti-Syjuco groups in the 2nd District which are supporting his bid. NLG
(April 1, 2004 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here. |
