Cavite Mayors' League (CML) released a statement Friday (April 23) deploring the use of words "trapo" and "loko-loko na 'yon" on the issue of late distribution or lack of financial aid to Manila relocatees in Naic.
The statement came after Manila Mayor Isko Moreno's remarks regarding the matter during the groundbreaking of the Manila Mega COVID Field Hospital in Rizal Park on April 20, 2021.
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"Style kasi ng trapong politiko 'yan eh ‘yung botante, hindi bontante, sa totoo lang, everytime na nakakarinig ako ng mga politiko na nagtatanong kung botante, hindi ngayon ha sa panahon ngayon, medyo para akong may cotton buds sa tenga. Kasi parang hindi maganda eh paano kung hindi nakaboto edi hindi na nakakuha ng ayuda at all? (It's the style of traditional politicians, asking if the person is a voter or not, the truth is, every time I hear politicians asking if the person is a voter, it's like I have cotton buds stuck in my ears. Because that's not good, just because the person can't vote, they can't get financial aid at all)," Moreno said.
"Madalas kong naririnig 'yan eh, na kino-complain nga ‘yung mayor na 'yan. Ako, may payo naman ako, tutal doon na sila nakatira. O next time magpa-rehistro na sila doon sa bayan na 'yon hindi dahil para iboto 'yong loko-loko na 'yon kasi pangit talaga. (I often hear complaints against that mayor. I advise the residents since they're now living there. Next time, register yourself so that you wouldn't vote that mad person)," he added.
According to the mayors, they don't intend to defend Naic Mayor Junio C. Dualan as he himself can justify the merits of the program implementation. However, they reiterated that discourse surrounding the distribution of financial aid should be for the sole purpose of finding a solution to the grievances.
"In view of the recent spate of statements and remarks relating to Ayuda (financial aid) distribution in Naic, Cavite, the League hereby deplores and condemns the use of rhetoric and colorful language for purpose other than for serving the public," said the statement, signed by CML Provincial President and Mendez-Nuñez Mayor Fredderick A. Vida. "Although the use of big words such as "TRAPO" and LOKO-LOKO NA YON will certainly add color to the discourse, its use is misplaced and uncalled for."
"Inflaming the anger of the public against a fellow public servant is both baseless and irresponsible. Is the purpose to improve survey results? Is it to increase media coverage? Is it to solicit more 'likes' and 'shares?' Or is it just arrogance," the statement read.
A few hours before the statement was released, Governor Jonvic Remulla rebuked Moreno for the same incident. According to Remulla, the financial aid allocation was based on the 2015 census and the former Manila residents only relocated to Naic in 2019.
"Yorme, alam ng lahat ang ambisyon mong maging Pangulo. Wala namang isyu don. Libre mangarap ang kahit sino. Pero sana ay huwag mong tapakan ang iba para lamang umangat ka. Hindi ka pa nga Pangulo ay ang yabang mo na, (Yorme, everyone knows your ambition to become the President. There's no issue there. Dreaming is free for everyone. But don't step on others to elevate yourself. You're not even President yet and you're already arrogant)," Remulla ranted.
On The Capital Report streamed live through Facebook evening of Friday (April 23), Moreno talked about getting assistance requests from former Manila residents who are now living in provinces.
"Marami tayong relocatees, na-relocate, napunta sa iba't ibang probinsya. Gusto ko lang pong ipaalam sa inyo, umabot po sa 2,200 families ang nabigyan natin sa different provinces na humingi ng tulong sa Maynila. Masaya po kami na kami'y naging bahagi ng kaluluwagan n’yo sa buhay (We have many relocatees, those who were relocated in different provinces. I just wanted you to know that we've assisted 2,200 families in different provinces who asked for help from Manila. We're happy to have been a part of your relief)," Moreno said.