"WE WILL not stoop down to their level. We should maintain a high-level campaign."
This was said by Negros Occidental Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer after a supporter of Vice President Leni Robredo, who is running for president, threw her fliers at presidential aspirant former senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. during the UniTeam's caravan on Wednesday, February 23.
Ferrer recalled that he was beside Marcos, who is also known as BBM, when the incident happened.
"It is not giving a good reflection to the province. Educate your daughters of good attitude, right manners and conduct," he said.
The incident took place when the caravan passed by the headquarters of Robredo in Talisay City.
"The one involved came from a good school. She was very unfortunate," Ferrer said.
Since then, the incident became viral on social media, but the vice governor said they do not have plans on making legal steps against the girl.
“Padag-a niyo lang bla insakto ang inyo kandidato kag kampanyahi insakto kay padag-on ko gid ya ang akon,” the vice governor said.
(Just campaign for your own candidate so they could win because I will have mine win.)
“I have never heard Marcos say anything bad against his opponents," he added.
Screenshots of the post of the involved supporter of Robredo are now making rounds on social media.
Robredo posted, “We were exercising our right to free speech and were out of the way when Marcos Jr.’s bodyguards started pushing us to the side.”
“This act of violence caused the fliers held up by one of the dissenters to fly towards BBM hitting his face. I say he deserves it,” she said.
The post further said, “After what Negros has gone through, the Philippines struggle, the violence towards dissenters then and today.”
Ferrer said Marcos still gave a “peace sign” in response to the detractors so they should not be rude to us.
“Ga-reflect na sa inyo. Waay ninyo gina-educate ang inyo supporters? (It reflects on you. Are you not educating your supporters),” the vice governor said, stressing that “after the elections, we are still one in Negros.”
Aside from Ferrer, some supporters of the BBM-Sara tandem also took to social media to slam and condemn such action by supporters of the other political camp.
Meanwhile, Ferrer, who organized the campaign sorties of UniTeam in the province, said about 105,000 Negrenses showed support for the BBM-Sara ticket at the caravan and grand rally.
Those who went out of their houses and gathered beside the streets to join the caravan from the cities of Silay to Bacolod were estimated at 25,000 while those at the rally site in Reclamation Area, Bacolod City were about 80,000, Ferrer said.
He also said 29 mayors have shown up during the meeting with Marcos and Duterte-Carpio.
"It was really overwhelming and I thank all local officials and the Negrenses for the support", Ferrer said.
"Considering that the 29 mayors were there and expressed support with six congressmen and 11 Board Members, I would like to give my heartfelt thanks," he added.