Darimbang: ‘More slots given to us than Uy’

By LITO RULONA,
Correspondent

IN an unexpected move, the local supporters of the Aquino administration’s Liberal Party gave more access to its local political rivals into the recently concluded PiliPinas Debate 2016, an independent congressional candidate claimed.

First district representative wannabe Lourdes ‘Candy’ Darimbang confirmed to Gold Star Daily that they were given more access slots by the Liberal Party (LP) during the presidential debate on Sunday than the supporters of LP’s local standard bearer first-district Rolando ‘Klarex’ Uy.

Darimbang over Magnum radio claimed that they were given 100 slots for a free access to the debate venue and she was also invited by LP leadership to accompany their supporters but she declined.

“The 100 supporters were coming from the transport sector,” she said.

She said she should not be blamed on the incident considering that she only shows her support to LP’s standard bearer former Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II.

“I never change loyalty unlike (the) other local candidates (referring to Uy who reportedly jumped ship to Grace Poe),” she added.

Dr. Reuben Daba, an aspirant for the City Council under the LP ticket come May 9 elections and a close ally of Uy claimed that he is 95 percent sure that Uy would most likely change his support from Roxas to Poe.

Darimbang said the report that they are already joining with Poe was happening several weeks ago and was only confirmed during the presidential debate after some of Uy’s supporters were already wearing Poe’s campaign t-shirt.

“Wala ta kini gikakurat. Basta kita Mar Roxas pa gihapon,” she said.

Daba claimed that Darimbang’s supporters instead were given access to witness the debate inside the CU’s gym while Uy’s supporters were left outside the university cheering for Roxas upon his arrival at the venue for the debate.

Each of the candidates have been allotted with 300 stubs to gain entrance at the gymnasium where a big screen was installed as the real-time debate had been happening at the other building.

Darimbang said she also received report that Uy has already declared and signified support to Poe.

A meeting was held at Carmen barangay hall Saturday evening with Uy and Grace Poe. Daba confirmed the meeting took place.

“There is a big possibility that incumbent-mayor Oscar Moreno and vice-mayor aspirant (Rainier Joaquin Uy will follow Uy’s move. Although we are still trying to verify if such development will follow,” Darimbang said.