Drivers, docs boost Bobby's bid; Joe III number 1
Engineer Roberto "Bobby" Divinagracia's bid for the city council received a major boost recently from two disparate sectors -- the transport and medical profession -- which pledged to support Divinagracia's campaign.
The Iloilo City Alliance of Driver's Association (ICADA), umbrella organization of the city's various drivers organizations in the city, vowed to harness the strength of its thousand strong to push Engr. Divinagracia's candidacy as well as that of the other Lakas-CMD candidates for the various city posts. There are some 23 driver's associations, with over a thousand members, in the various routes covering the city and, in a meeting at Don Parilla Restaurant last Wednesday, the presidents of these associations declared the support of their members and their families for Engr. Divinagracia.
On the other hand, the city's medical doctors affiliated with the Iloilo Medical Society, are also coming out in full support for Divinagracia, pledging not only their personal support but also that of their patients. Dr. Roland Uy, president of the Iloilo Medical Society, said Engr. Divinagracia was instrumental in the renovation and repair of the IMS headquarters in Lapaz. Engr. Divinagracia facilitated the project for free. Already, the medical doctors have begun to conduct a text brigade urging their colleagues and their patients to vote for Divinagracia.
This development is expected to provide the boost that will push Engr. Divinagracia's campaign to victory in the forthcoming polls.
It will be recalled that Engr. Divinagracia's campaign was pushed by the city's barangay leaders who felt the need for better barangay representation in the city council. Engr. Divingracia is barangay captain of Barangay San Agustin, City Proper and is vie president and spokesman of the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) City Proper.
Meanwhile, reelectionist city councilor Jose Espinosa III was also seen to top the race for the city council. Campaigning on the basis of a clean record and an outstanding performance in the city council, Joe III's reelection is fully supported by the local barangay leaders as well as the various sectors of the community.
Analysts say, Joe III's edge over the rest of the field comes from a well-oiled political machinery as well as an image of commitment and consistency that resonates well among independent and responsible voters.