DAVAO CITY -- Mati Mayor Michelle Nakpil Rabat on Friday, May 6, denied speculation on her joining a coalition supporting the presidential bid of Vice President Leni Robredo.
“Let me state categorically that I am for the Marcoses and Duterte’s UniTeam. This has been manifested in all of my speeches in all of our rallies during the campaign period," said Mayor Rabat.
Rabat issued the statement after a Facebook page identified as the 1Sambayan Coalition - Leni supporter - recently posted a photograph of the city mayor with a caption ‘Iboboto ko si Leni Robredo dahil sa Gobyernong Tapat, Angay Buhay Lahat!’
"We all know that in times of election, fake news proliferates. This in particular is fake news, which was taken advantage of by the other local political camp," said Rabat.
The city mayor said that the people of Mati know that the Rabats and the Marcoses go a long way when it comes to friendship and family ties. She added that this has been tested and proven by time.
Mayor Rabat reiterated that until now they and the Marcoses are friends and no amount of fake news by the "Almario camp" can refute that.
She also said that they have distributed campaign materials of the UniTeam all throughout the city alongside with their posters and tarps.
"Matinians love the BBM-Sara tandem. We respect Leni Robredo as we respect all other presidential candidates. Respect which the fake news purveyors and those who share them are clearly bereft of," the city mayor said.
Mayor Rabat urged the people of Mati and the general public to vote wisely in May 9 polls.