Jamora supports Ong

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

FORMER presidential adviser on water Lorenzo H. Jamora has declared support for the reelection bid of Liga ng mga Barangay-Iloilo City president and ex-officio Councilor Ma. Irene D. Ong.

Jamora, who lost his bid for city mayor in May’s elections, said Ong deserves the full support of the city’s Punong Barangays because of her integrity and proven trustworthiness.

“As proven in the recent May elections, Councilor Ong has shown herself to be capable of rising above political partisanship in order to serve the needs and interests of all the Liga and its members,” Jamora observed.

There are at least seven village heads belonging to the Jamora camp, including Jamora’s candidate for councilor Peter Abadiano of Monica, City proper and Dr. Rodolfo Villegas of Dulonan, Arevalo.

The Jamora camp is seen as a swing vote in the forthcoming Liga polls.

Ong said she is thankful to Jamora for backing up her reelection bid against her possible rival Punong Barangay Roberto Divinagracia of San Agustin, City proper.

Ong said while she supported another candidate for mayor in the May 10 elections, she did not publicly vilify Jamora.

“We campaigned on a higher level out of respect for each other,” Ong said.

With her possible opponent identified with the administration, Ong said she is ready to lose her position in a fair fight.

Ong said she remains unfazed and firm on her decision to seek another term as Liga president in next month’s election.

“I will not withdraw,” Ong said after it was learned that she reportedly received threats and attempts to stop her from seeking reelection as Liga president.

Ong claimed she has been receiving calls from someone very close to a powerful politician.

Ong alleged that the caller asked her to withdraw or face possible “collateral damage.”

The caller also told Ong that they intend to win the Liga election by “hook or by crook.”

“I am prepared to lose,” said Ong. “But I hope they will fight fairly.”

Earlier, Ong called on the city’s political leaders not to get involved in the Liga election as she described the Liga as a “neutral” institution.

Ong appealed to the city’s political leaders to “let the Punong Barangays decide for themselves.”

Ong lauded Mayor Jed Mabilog for responding positively to her appeal. Before leaving for the United States on an official trip, Mayor Mabilog told the media that he will remain neutral.

“We highly appreciate Mayor Mabilog’s gesture. This is the mark of a true leader and statesman,” said Ong.