Do not drag the name of Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) for any purpose, especially those that are political.
This was the strong message voiced out by Deputy Speaker and Surigao del Sur Rep. Prospero “Butch” Pichay, following claims that a survey for Quezon province gubernatorial post, conducted from November 2, 2020 to December 21, 2020, “was sponsored by a business group and politicians affiliated with the Lakas-CMD party.”
“As far as the Lakas-CMD party is concerned, it has no knowledge about the survey. The party does not conduct nor sponsor local surveys. It is confident that its people on the ground are winners,” he said in a statement.
“We, the party officials, should have been informed by the said political group and politicians before using the name of Lakas and linking the party to the survey. If indeed any people behind the survey is a member of Lakas, then that member should have secured consent from the party before using its name,” he added.
Pichay was referring to an article, which was published in the Manila Times on Tuesday disclosing that the Philippine Research and Information Service (Philris) Publishing, led by Prof. Manuel Mendoza, initiated a local survey for governorship in Quezon province. The survey was allegedly supported by those affiliated with the Lakas-CMD party.
“We condemn and do not tolerate any attempt to drag the name of Lakas without its consent for any purpose, especially those that are political,” the House leader said.
He said their party is demanding a clarification from those people who used Lakas’ name.
"It is unfair and irresponsible that the party was linked to the survey as the party itself and its officials are not aware of it,” Pichay said.
“The firm is not known. Method is not scientific. Thus, results are biased. If Lakas will commission a survey, it will hire a reputable and known group,” he added.