FORMER Bacolod City Councilor Roberto Rojas clarified that President Rodrigo Duterte did not call Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia to stand during the campaign rally of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) at the Victorias City Coliseum Friday night, March 8.
Rojas, who was also present during the campaign rally, issued a statement on Saturday after Leonardia’s political opponent, ABB-MKK (Asenso para sa Buas-damlag sang Bacolodnon-Magbinuligay Kita sa Kauswagan), led by former mayor MonicoPuentevella, reportedly used the issue against the sitting mayor.
According to the rumor mill, Leonardia was specially mentioned by the President, who was talking about the country’s illegal drug problem, and even asked the mayor to stand up.
Rojas narrated what happened: President Duterte was delivering his speech and while talking about illegal drugs, he mentioned that when he won the elections in 2016, he invited all mayors to Malacañang. Since Leonardia was sitting in front of the stage, Duterte pointed to him and mentioned that the mayor was there, too.
But because of the poor sound system, Rojas said that Leonardia did not hear what Duterte said and asked the President to repeat it. Again, Leonardia did not hear what was said so he stood up and walked near the stage and asked Duterte to repeat what he said.
“Di baandon kayo sa Malacañang noong ipanapatawag ko lahat ng mga mayors (You were there in Malacañang when I called on all mayors, right)?” asked Duterte. That was clear to Leonardia, who said yes, and returned to his seat.
Rojas clarified that it was not Duterte who ordered Leonardia to stand up, the mayor himself stood up.
After the President’s speech, Leonardia and his Grupo Progreso (GP) party mates were even given a chance to pose with Duterte for a photograph.
Rojas said that among all local officials in Negros Occidental, only Leonardia and his GP had a photo opportunity with Duterte backstage. ABB-MKK, said Rojas, was only twisting the statement of Duterte.
Rojas added that the protocol officer of Malacañang asked him if Puentevella was also in the area because the President had banned him at Victorias City Coliseum.
Puentevella could not be reached for a comment as of press time. (MAP)