Vice President Leni Robredo has expressed support for the gubernatorial bid of former Tourism Secretary Ace Durano and his running mate Hilario Davide III in Cebu despite Durano backing out at the last minute on a reportedly planned endorsement for her.
Robredo was supposed to attend the proclamation rally of Durano and Davide in Talisay City, Cebu last Tuesday, April 26, but Durano’s party, Partido Pilipino sa Pagbabago (PPP), endorsed former Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s presidential bid instead.
The Vice President decided to skip the event, though Durano said they did not withdraw the invitation.
Davide has personally endorsed Robredo’s bid for the presidency.
Robredo, in a statement, clarified that she still full supports the Cebu Development Agenda and any tandem that will push for it.
“Lagi kong sinasabi: Ang pakikihanay sa pulitika, dapat ayon sa prinsipyo at sa plano para sa Pilipino— hindi sa transaksyon (I always say: An alliance in politics should be based on principles and plans for Filipinos—not on transaction),” she said.
“Buo ang paniniwala ko sa (I fully believe in the) Cebu Development Agenda nina (of) Ace Durano at (and) Junjun Davide. Kaya may kapalit man o wala, buo rin ang suporta ko sa sino mang magsusulong ng planong ito (Whether in exchange for something or not, I fully support anyone who pushes for this plan),” Robredo added.
The Vice President allegedly held a closed-door meeting with the Duranos during her second rally in Cebu last April 21, when she was invited to attend the Durano-Davide rally.
The meeting was facilitated by Davide, who has been vocal of his support to the Vice President.
But on Monday night, Durano and Davide announced on their separate social media accounts that Robredo will no longer attend the rally, drawing flak from Robredo’s supporters.
Durano said that he did not sign the PPP’s manifesto of support for Marcos. He is the PPP president for Central Visayas.