CAGAYAN de Oro City Mayor Oscar Moreno failed to attend to the 2nd Solidarity Walk organized by the Philippine National Police (PNP) because he was tired and had to rest.
Through City Information Officer Maricel Casiño-Rivera, she said the mayor lacked sleep by attending several events before the solidarity walk.
“He traveled to Davao last Wednesday evening by land to attend the National Peace and Order Council meeting presided by President Rodrigo Duterte last Thursday. He then took the first flight yesterday to Manila from Davao to attend the signing of agreement of the EHATID program of the DOST (Department of Science and Technology). Travelled back to CDO (Cagayan de Oro) and proceeded directly to DXCC for his radio program,” Rivera said.
She also said he then attended senatorial rallies and in the morning of the activity, went to a handshaking activity in Cogon market.
“He finally begged off for the walk because he had to take his much needed rest,” she said.
Vice Mayor Raineir Joaquin Uy, 1st district Representative Rolando Uy and 2nd district congressional bet Alam Lim also did not join the activity.
Majority of the opposition slate led by mayoral candidate Jose Gabriel La Viña meanwhile participated.
Asked about Moreno’s absence, La Viña said, “basin dugay kamata kay daghan kaso (maybe he woke up late because he has many cases)? How can he face the people?”
He maintained that his antagonistic behavior against Moreno is not personal, but simply issue-based.
“I would be happy to walk with him,” La Viña said.
The solidarity walk for peace was jointly organized by the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office, National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections, Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting, religious leaders, academe and other stakeholders.