Even though he was seen raising the hands of vice presidential candidate Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong said is still supporting Senate President Vicente Sotto III and his running mate Sen. Panfilo "Ping" Lacson.
Magalong made the declaration after he was asked to clarify photos showing him with Pangilinan when the latter visited Baguio City.
Both Sotto and Pangilinan are gunning for vice president in the May 2022 national elections. Coincidentally, both senators are relatives.
“I was placed on the spot, ano. Nandoon ako nakapila, dapat magpapa-picture lang kami pero sabi ‘nung isang councilor ko, ‘Sir, baka pwede nyong itaas ‘yung kamay.’ So, I was placed on the spot, alangan namang sabihin ko 'Ay hindi, hindi. Hindi ako mag...’ I was placed on the spot,” (I was there to just take a picture of him but one of my councilors told me ‘sir, can you raise his hand’. So I was placed on the spot. It’s not as if I can directly say, no I will not. I was placed on the spot),” Magalong told reporters in an interview at the sidelines of Sotto and presidential candidate Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson’s visit in Baguio City.
“Alam niyo naman hindi naman kami pulitiko na kuwan e. So, out of respect kay Senator Kiko kasi we worked together naman, e tinaas ko (You know, we’re not politicians per se. So out of respect to Sen. Kiko, since we worked together before, I raised his hand),” dagdag pa niya.
But Magalong said he disclosed this already to Sotto whom he said understood his actions.
“I completely understand it happens. It happens all the time, so I completely understand. The important thing is that sometimes an assurance is better than, ika nga, any claims of any ano, or gestures,” Sotto said.
Nevertheless, Magalong assured he is fully supporting the Lacson-Sotto tandem because he believes the government has a better chance to improve under the leadership of both lawmakers.
“I’m fully supporting Senator Sotto, definitely, and Senator Lacson. Definitely. Hindi mababago ‘yan. Hindi mababago ‘yan (That will not change),” he said.
“Maski na ano pang alok sa akin, hindi mababago ‘yan. Because I believe in them. Naniniwala ako sa kanila e (Even though I am offered anything. That won’t change. Because I believe in them),” the mayor stressed.