ILOILO CITY — Even as presidential candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos (BBM) Jr. and running-mate Davao Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio were not able to come to the city and province of Iloilo, thousands of Ilonggos showed support for the duo in a series of activities Saturday, December 11.
The BBM-Sara UniTeam’s Unity Caravan kicked off in Iloilo City and made its way to several towns of Iloilo province and ended in the component city of Passi, where there was a program at the plaza hosted by Mayor Stephen Palmares and Vice Mayor Jesry Palmares.
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Benhur Abalos represented Marcos. Abalos served as Marcos’ campaign manager during the 2016 vice presidential race.
But the December 11 activity was marred with controversy, especially when Ilonggo netizens slammed the local government of Passi City in allegedly using college scholars.
As early as Thursday evening, the City Information Office of Passi posted on its Facebook account that college scholars are required to attend the December 11 event and have to wear red shirts. And that attendance sheets must be signed to be able to get their clearances by January.
This was denied by Mayor Palmares.
“I would like to clarify that city scholars are not compelled or required to attend the caravan or to wear red t-shirts. Instead, we are only encouraging the scholars (who are also supporters of BBM-Sara) to join the caravan. In fact, not only the scholars are encouraged but also other sectors in our community,” Mayor Palmares emphasized.