Volunteer Group Shifts Support from Moreno to Robredo for Presidential Bet

On Tuesday, Ikaw Muna (IM) Pilipinas announced its shift to support the candidacy of Vice President Leni Robredo in the upcoming May elections during a press conference in Quezon City. The volunteer group — led by former transportation undersecretary Tim Orbos, had previously backed presidential candidate Isko Moreno prior to its decision.

“Are we that opportunist? No, we are not. If so, we would go with Bongbong (Marcos) because he’s a sure win,” explained IM Pilipinas secretary-general Elmer Argaño. “This is still an uphill battle, we don’t know if we will make it to victory but we’d rather bet on someone who, in all trajectories, the pattern, the sentiment, they’re all leaning towards the Vice President.”

The group followed the switch of its Visayas and Mindanao chapters, which also previously supported the Manila mayor. “We’re running out of time. If we wait longer, maybe our help will not count for as much,” Argaño explained when asked why the group decided to announce their move at this time.

A Pulse Asia survey released just last month put Isko Moreno in third place, behind Leni Robredo and Bongbong Marcos, which was among the reasons the group decided to change its position. Moreno, in response, highlighted a more recent survey wherein he was ranked in second place. IM Pilipinas also urged the Manila mayor to consider withdrawing from the presidential race or to enter into unity talks with other bets prior to their announcement.

“Very crucial ‘yung pagpili sa atin ng mga supporters na galing sa ibang sides. Whether from one candidate or from all the other candidates, crucial ‘yun kasi papalapit ng papalapit sa eleksyon lahat na makakadagdag sa atin, welcome parati…. Nagpapasalamat tayo and sana ma-meet ko sila in person para makapagpasalamat din ako in person,” said Robredo, when asked about the development.

(“The decision of supporters from other sides to choose me is very crucial. Whether from one candidate or from the other candidates, this is crucial because the elections are drawing nearer, and any additional support is always welcome. I’m thankful and I hope we can meet in person so I can personally thank them.”)

The shift of IM Pilipinas could prove to have crucial effects on the upcoming elections, particularly because it earlier claimed to have 800,000 members nationwide. It was also “one of the most active” groups that backed Isko Moreno, according to Dani Enriquez — another head of a volunteer group supporting the Manila mayor.

Source: Rappler