Biz groups see hope in Jamora
Some 300 businessmen and professionals in Iloilo City came out in force on Friday, the first day of the local campaign period, to show support for city mayoralty candidate Larry Jamora.
In a jampacked forum at Hotel del Rio hosted by a group entrepreneurs, Jamora was warmly welcomed and richly applauded as he bared his well laid plans for the city, impressing them with his candor and deep concern for the current stature of the city which has lagged behind other cities in the country.
Present in the gathering were a mixture entrepreneurs engaged in big and medium scale businesses, professionals in banking and commerce, traders, hoteliers and restaurateurs, even business players in the Filipino-Chinese community.
“This is unprecedented in Iloilo City’s political history,” noted a political observer who attended the forum. “Businessmen usually don’t want to be identified with any candidate, particularly in local politics. They tend to play it safe by staying neutral or keeping their choices to themselves,” he added.
The observation was affirmed by one of the hosts who disclosed that, earlier, at least 60 others who confirmed their attendance begged off at the last minute when they heard that the forum will be aired live and there will be mediamen present. In fact, many of those present asked not to be interviewed nor identified in press reports.
Still their support for Jamora was palpable. “We see hope in Jamora for our city,” enthused one trader. “Among all the candidates it is only Jamora who took pains to present a credible platform of government.”
“It is about time we put order to our city,” said one banker. “Kalaw-ay na gid sang aton siudad. Mahigko, Kagalong. (Our city is very ugly. It is dirty. Chaotic.)”
Asked about the report that businessmen are supporting another candidate for mayor, a leader of the Multisectoral Association replied, “Sa diin? Wala man kami kabati. Ari kami, di bala? (Where? We haven’t heard about it. We’re here [with Jamora] aren’t we?)”
It will be recalled that the Multisectoral Association, a group composed mostly of Filipino-Chinese businessmen in Iloilo, led the city’s business community against the excesses of then City Mayor Rodolfo Ganzon. While the association continues to exist long after Ganzon, it has remained in the sideline politically. Until now.
Jamora was joined in the forum by fellow candidates Mansueto Malabor for congressman, Dr. Aquiles Hortillosa for vice mayor, and candidates for city councilor: Peter “Mawa” Abadiano, Allen Aquino, Rolando Dabao, Dave Jamora, Mandrei Malabor and Dr. Rodolfo Villegas. (Willy Sotto)
