Defections boost Jamora camp
A steady stream of defectors are further boosting the camp of Iloilo City mayoralty candidate Larry Jamora who has gained the upperhand on his opponents as the campaign draws closer to the finish.
The defections have come largely from the camp of erstwhile leading candidate Jed Mabilog whose ranks have fallen into disarray and is now flailing around through intimidation and black propaganda.
Confidential sources from the Jamora camp say the defectors consist mostly of mid-level leaders in Mabilog’s political organization. “These people consist mostly of barangay leaders who have brought along their list of supporters at the precinct level,” the source said.
Another Jamora political operator said Barangay Captains supportive of Mayor Jerry Treñas have also jumped to the Jamora camp. At the same time, leaders and supporters of Gonzalez have also shifted to Jamora’s side.
This is already the result of a bandwagon that is carrying Jamora to the mayoralty, the source further said. “Clearly, everybody loves a winner.”
In contrast, Mabilog’s campaign has run out of steam. The bubble he has created based on truncated surveys has burst. Instead, he has resorted to negative campaigning, hurling mud and peddling all sorts of disinformation against Jamora. These acts of desperation, however, have failed to discourage deserters from abandoning his crumbling camp.
Jamora’s climb to the top has not been easy. He has had to overcome relative anonymity and the usual skepticism. Yet Jamora has emerged as the best candidate presenting a solid, well crafted platform of government, a clear articulation of his vision for the city, and evident sincerity.
Jamora’s high level campaign and message of change for the better has also attracted the intelligent, independent-minded and decent sectors of the Iloilo community.
