Sikad drivers come out for Jamora
Politics has a queer way of changing perspectives. The humble pedicab (trisikad) driver, once viewed as a nuisance and unruly road hazard, is now seen as pure gold from the eyes of a local candidate. But, lowly as their economic stature in life maybe, these hardworking members of the community, still have their own dignity and self-esteem.
Which is why leaders of the Federation of Trisikad Owners and Drivers Association in Iloilo City have finally spoken up to declare their commitment to mayoralty candidate Larry Jamora and denounce claims made by Jed Mabilog.
In an interview over Bombo Radyo, Federation President Cesar Binuesa of Magsaysay, Lapaz said the federation has given its full commitment and support to Jamora. Binuesa said he is already going qround the city every day to monitor the various associations and make sure that every member stays firm to their commitment to Jamora.
Apparently, the federation officers were prompted to go to the media in order to deny false claims that were being made by Mabilog who has been resorting to disinformation to prop up his faltering campaign.
Federation Vice President James Iguides, Sto. Niño Sur, Arevalo was more firm. “Indi gid kami kay Jed. Gintawag ya kami basura (We will not support Jed. He called us trash),” said Iguides. “Kay Jamora kami (We are for Jamora).”
Iguides said the Federation consists of 69 associations from the six districts of Iloilo with members ranging from 18,000 to 25,000.
Iguides said they are supporting Jamora because they see hope in his platform of government and vision for the city. They also noted Jamora’s sincerity and his apparent sympathy for the poor.
In contrast they noted the anti-poor policy being imposed by the city government on the trisikad. “In order to get a license and registration, we need to spend around P1,000,” Iguides said. “Indi ni masarangan sang sikad driver (the trisikad driver cannot afford this).”
Iguides said Mabilog can make all the claims he can invent. “On May 10 (election day), we will show to Jamora that we also have our word of honor,” said Iguides.
