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[av_heading heading=’Defensor a big loss to LP, says Robredo ‘ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” admin_preview_bg=”]
BY GLENDA SOLOGASTOA
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ILOILO City – Iloilo’s Gov. Arthur Defensor Sr. who is soon taking his oath as member of President Rodrigo Duterte’s political party is a big loss to the Liberal Party (LP), according to Vice President Leni Robredo.
“Si governor has been a staunch partner. Hindi lang defender and supporter pero partner sa maraming bagay. Isang hinahangaan na public official,” said Robredo who was here yesterday.
As the LP leader in Iloilo province, Defensor campaigned for Robredo in last year’s national elections.
The Vice President, leader of the LP, said she respects Defensor’s decision to join Partido Demokratiko Pilipino – Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban).
“Ang pagsali sa political party walang pilitan. Sumasali ka para ipahayag na nagkakaisa kayo sa pinapaniwalaan. Marami na kaming mga kasamang nagpaalam. Discretion ng bawat miyembro kung saan niya gustong lumahok,” said Robredo.
She viewed the defections as an opportunity for the LP to rebuild.
“Hindi ka naman pwedeng magpigil ng tao. Maraming considerations kung bakit lumilipat ng party at naiintindihan natin ‘yon,” said Robredo.
Defensor cited “practical politics” in deciding to leave the LP for PDP-Laban. The political career of his son, Cong. Arthur “Toto” Defensor Jr. of Iloilo’s 3rd District, was a big factor, he said.
“I’d be a hypocrite if I say my decision has nothing to do with politics. I told PDP-Laban my son is interested to become governor. I made the message clear,” said Defensor.
The Vice President graced the launching of “Istorya ng Pag-asa” yesterday at St. Anne’s Hall of Assumption Iloilo. It is a travelling gallery featuring stories of ordinary Filipinos who live simple yet extraordinary lives. Defensor was at the launching, too.
The governor, his congressman son and another son, Iloilo Provincial Board member Lorenz Defensor, will lead mayors and vice mayors of the 3rd District of Iloilo in a mass oath-taking to PDP-Laban on Dec. 1.
Robredo thanked Ilonggos for supporting her in last year’s elections.
“Hindi naman lingid sa kaalaman ng marami na aside from my home province, ‘yung Iloilo ang nagbigay sa akin ng biggest margin. In fact, sa election protest laban sa akin, sinali ‘yung Iloilo. May allegation na nandaya ako dito. Of course, alam n’yo naman na hindi totoo,” she said./PN
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