Bacolod is an open city that welcomes national candidates from all political parties, Mayor Evelio Leonardia said Friday, April 29.
“It has been my policy to open Bacolod to all candidates for national office no matter which political spectrum they represent,” he said.
“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 said.
He said as the homestretch of the election campaign approaches, more fake news and disinformation are becoming a daily fare on mainstream and social media channels both in the local and national fronts.
One such fake news that is making the rounds on various social media platforms was his alleged endorsement of the presidential run of Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso, who visited him at the Bacolod City Government Center on Thursday, Leonardia said.
He said Moreno is his colleague in the League of Cities of the Philippines of which he is the national president.
“The visit of Moreno, just like those of the other presidential aspirants and those running for other national positions that came to see me at the Bacolod City Government Center before him, was welcomed by Bacolodnons,” he said.
He said Vice President Leni Robredo was met by an enthusiastic crowd clad in pink when she visited late last year and Mayor Sara Duterte of Davao City got a festive welcome as well.
Sen. Kiko Pangilinan, actress Helen Gamboa – wife of Senate President Tito Sotto, and a host of other senatoriables who came to Bacolod were all welcomed at the Bacolod City Government Center, he added.*