Raul Sr. vows ‘mother of all rallies’ for Gibo
Lakas-Kampi-CMD mayoralty candidate Raul Gonzalez Sr. vows to give presidential candidate Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro a huge crowd in this evening’s rally at the Iloilo City Freedom Grandstand.
“It will be a rally that Treñas or Mabilog cannot match,” Gonzalez said referring to his political opponents.
Gonzalez stressed that he will be the one spending for the rally so he should be “in control.”
Gonzalez made the clarification as there are other groups who are supporting Gibo’s presidential bid.
Former prosecutor Jose Naranjo leads a volunteers group in support of Teodoro while mayoralty candidate Larry Jamora openly declared that he is also supporting Teodoro for president.
“Whoever would like to attend the rally are welcome... but I will not allow any political streamers or campaign materials from the other groups,” Gonzalez said.
“I’m the one spending for this rally up to the last centavo so my wishes should be followed,” he added.
Gonzalez, however, said that he will allow Jamora to be there in the rally but his group should not wear campaign shirts, bring placards, or post streamers of his group and he should not be allowed to speak on stage.
“Out of courtesy to him as a Gibo supporter I will allow him to be on stage but he will not be given time to speak,” Gonzalez said.
Jamora, through his PR officer, said that he sincerely thanks Gonzalez for the kind offer but he will not show up in the rally. “Although he is fully supportive of Gibo’s candidacy he would rather stay away from Gonzalez-initiated rally in order to shield Gibo from local political intramurals,” the PR officer said.
Jamora’s PR officer also noted that most if not all of Gibo’s active campaigners are Jamora supporters.
Gonzalez also stressed that Naranjo’s group will not be allowed on stage.
“They are not welcome. Their group is a trojan horse,” Gonzalez said adding “their identity is suspect since the umbilical cord of Naranjo is tied to (former prosecutor Efrain) Baldago who is also tied to (senatoriable Franklin) Drilon (of the Liberal Party).”
Gonzalez said their supporters will start to gather at the Iloilo City Freedom Grandstand around 5 p.m.
He said Gibo will be joined by his running mate vice presidential bet Edu Manzano and their senatorial slate.
“I assure you this will be a mother of all rallies,” Gonzalez told reporters.
“This rally is for him (Gibo), to show him to the people of Iloilo City,” he added.
Gonzalez stressed that they are all out for Gibo even if several of his fellow members in the Lakas-Kampi CMD party have already bolted to other political parties.
“That’s our difference from them. When we give our commitment we don’t intend to change it suddenly. We will support Gibo to the very end,” said Gonzalez.
