A FACTION of Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) has withdrawn its support to presidential candidate Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno.
The faction, led by former commissioner of the National Commission for Muslim Filipinos Abubakar Mangelen, has instead declared its support to Vice President Leni Robredo.
Mangelen said it was a unanimous and cohesive party decision that underwent consultations with its members nationwide.
“The party believes in the leadership of VP Leni and her competence and experience to lead the country out of the pandemic and economic crisis into recovery and progress with good, clean and inclusive governance and timely, effective and efficient public service,” the party said in a resolution dated April 19.
“With time running out and with recent developments, the party believes that there is a need for a more formidable team and candidate to beat a common opponent and one who poses the greatest threat to our country and our democracy, Ferdinand Marcos Jr.,” it added.
The party committed to campaign for Robredo and join campaign activities in their respective areas of jurisdiction.
Mangelen was the ousted PFP national chairman who was replaced by presidential candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
In December, Mangelen filed a petition before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) against Marcos’s certificate of candidacy.
He argued that Marcos’s Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance (Cona) is "unauthorized, defective, invalid, and void," noting it was not approved by him.
Mangelen insisted then that he is still the duly elected chairman of the party.
He also cited in his petition the court conviction of Marcos for non-filing of Income Tax Return for several years, making him not eligible to hold any public office.
The petition was dismissed by the Comelec along with other petitions against Marcos’s candidacy.
Over the weekend, Maguindanao Representative Esmael "Toto" Mangudadatu, along with the United Bangsamoro Justice Party, also declared his support to Robredo, letting go of Moreno.
This came after Moreno drew flak for urging Robredo to withdraw from the race during a joint press conference together with other presidential candidates on April 17.
During the press conference, presidential candidates former Defense secretary Norberto Gonzales, Moreno and Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson claimed having meetings with Robredo where she encouraged them to withdraw from the race and support her instead.
Moreno said they were treated like “garbage” by Robredo and her camp.
He refused, however, to apologize to Robredo and instead stood by his remarks despite criticisms. (SunStar Philippines)