Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia yesterday clarified that he has remained neutral and has not endorsed any presidential candidate for the May 9 local and national elections.
“As we approach the homestretch of the election campaign, more fake news and disinformation are becoming a daily fare on mainstream and social media channels both in the local and national fronts,” the mayor said in a statement yesterday.
One such fake news that is making the rounds on various SocMed platforms Thursday was his alleged endorsement of the presidential run of Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso, who visited him at his office Thursday, Leonardia said.
“Moreno is my colleague in the League of Cities of the Philippines of which I am the National President,” he said.
Leonardia said “The visit of Moreno, just like those of the other presidential aspirants and those running for other national positions who came to see me at the Bacolod City Government Center before him, was welcomed by Bacolodnons.”
It has been his policy to open Bacolod to all candidates for national office no matter which political spectrum they represent, he said.
Vice President Leni Robredo was met by an enthusiastic crowd clad in pink when she visited him late last year. Mayor Sara Duterte of Davao City got a festive welcome as well. Sen. Kiko Pangilinan; actress Helen Gamboa, wife of Senate President Tito Sotto, among others, also came here. A host of other senatoriables also came to Bacolod before them and they were all welcomed at the Bacolod Government Center, Leonardia said.
As pointed out, Bacolod is an open city that welcomes everyone, he said.
“But let me clarify once and for all – this representation remains neutral. I have not endorsed any presidential candidate. I have declared this position many times before in various media interviews and public fora,” Leonardia stressed.*
