ILOILO City – Anyone could do business in this city regardless of political persuasion, sexual orientation or food preference, according to Mayor Jerry Treñas.
“Iloilo has always been a place of inclusivity,” he stressed.
The mayor was reacting to a supposed boycott call targeting business establishments supportive of presidential aspirant Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., son of dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
A group of supporters of Vice President Leni Robredo who is also running for president in the 2022 elections was reportedly calling for a boycott of pro-Marcos business establishments.
But according to Treñas who openly supports Robredo, everybody should be able to freely express their support to any presidential candidate without fear of being chastised “unless you become overly obnoxious and undesirable.”
Meanwhile, in a media interview in Naga City, Robredo urged supporters to refrain from calling for boycotts.
“Na-alarm ako. Hindi natin ine-encourage ‘yong ganitong mga actions. Nag–e-exert ako ng effort na magpahayag sa mga supporters na ‘wag nating tularan ‘yong style ng iba,” Robredo told reporters.
She added: “Meron tayong differences sa paniniwala, sa choices kung sino ‘yong susuportahan, pero dapat hindi natin ini-impose ‘yong choice natin sa iba.”/PN
