THE Coalition of Young Muslim Religious Leaders in Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi (ZamBaSulTa) declared Monday, April 18, 2022, their support to Vice President and presidential aspirant Leni Robredo.
The declaration came after the coalition withdrew its support to the candidacy for president of Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso and switched support to Robredo.
The members of the coalition were former members of the Ikaw Muna (IM) Pilipinas-BaSulTa chapter and formerly supporting the candidacy of Moreno.
"After assessing the recent trends from the different research companies and after getting the pulse of our constituents, we believe that Mayor Isko can no longer compete with VP Leni, much more with Mr. (Ferdinand) Marcos Jr.," the coalition said in a statement read in a press conference Monday, April 18, by Sheik Mahir Gustaham, chairperson of the United Imams of the Philippines-ZamBaSulTa.
"Hence, after due consultation with the members of our sector, it has been unanimously agreed, that for no other reason than national interest, we hereby switch our support from Mayor Isko to now-Leni Robredo for president," the coalition added.
The latest Pulse Asia Survey showed that Robredo is trailing second to Marcos, whose running mate, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, is also leading in the race for the position of vice president.
Gustaham said that after thorough reflection and discernment, they have come to conclusion that Robredo is the right person to be the president of the country because of her track record, integrity, competence, and dedication to serve especially the poor, oppressed, and the marginalized.
Gustaham urged their followers and various volunteer groups supporting other presidential candidates, as well as all patriotic citizens to set aside political differences, cast away biases and egos, and band together under a common candidate.
"We sincerely believe that VP Leni will best serve the interest and welfare of the Filipino people, in general, and the Bangsamoro, in particular, as she vows to honor the letter and spirit of the Bangsamoro Organic Law as amended by Barmm extension law," the coalition said.
The coalition vowed to campaign for Robredo by all available means that include mosque and madrasas.
Meanwhile, Mayor Hanie Bud of Maluso and mayor's league president of Basilan province welcomed the support of the Coalition of Young Muslim Religious Leaders in ZamBaSulTa to the candidacy of Robredo.
Bud represented Basilan Representative Mujiv Hataman, the campaign leader of Robredo in the region, during the activity. (SunStar Zamboanga)