Charles Teves
The small March 15 UniTeam rally in Nueva Ecija could’ve proven what many believed was already true—the supporters and presidential aspirant Bongbong Marcos and vice-presidential bet Sara Duterte are paid off.
A video shows someone handing out attendees envelopes allegedly containing P500 each. When pressed on the incident, the recipients said they didn’t know what the envelopes were for.
Marcos’ campaign manager Benhur Abalos said the camp wasn’t aware of anyone getting paid off.
“We have no knowledge of the incident. It would be hard to comment on something we are not aware of.”
Partido Federal secretary-general Thomson Lantion also condemned the “action.”
“Negative po! Our PFP is a disciplined political party! We abhor such action! It is not within our Core values & principles!” Lantion told Rappler.
When the main rally reached Talavera town, the crowd started chanting “Hindi kami bayad.” However, only a few believed the supporters and blasted the Commission on Elections for staying mum on the issue.
Bayad rin ba kayo @COMELEC @jabjimenez for being f*ckin silent for these past few weeks? https://t.co/gUaTzEJOEI
— The Kinfolk Garage 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ 🇵🇸 (@KinfolkGarage) March 15, 2022
Syempre wala na namang gagawing action ang @COMELEC 🤦🏻♀️ https://t.co/QR7FiiBzIw
— Mave 🩷 (@mave_nicegirl) March 15, 2022
The nerve to accuse the volunteers of Leni-Kiko as 'bayaran'. Now, look who's talking. 🤷♀️
Anyway, this is a clear violation of the rules YOU set or for baby m you are breaking your own rules and hindi narin 'to considered as vote buying? @COMELEC =) https://t.co/f4WEO4V3rH
— ִ ࣪𖤐 (@mergreyloml) March 15, 2022
Many believe the Comelec is on Marcos’ payroll.
Dear @COMELEC, we need decisive action for this election related offense. Can we still count on you? https://t.co/KivuPspJqW
— HeadShaver (@OhmsDj) March 15, 2022
https://twitter.com/softiek4th/status/1503730453412720641?s=20&t=KQaCOcc72pazqLCu2Rcxww
Caught in the act but of course Comelec will still stay blind. https://t.co/BjWZ22m9t1
— Izzy #FREEPALESTINE (@cardiachilles) March 15, 2022
COMELEC was given CLEAR EVIDENCE on Marcos’ tax evasion pero okay lang raw ito.
COMELEC was given CLEAR EVIDENCE on Marcos’ disqualification, pero kulang raw ito.
Now, COMELEC is shown a CLEAR EVIDENCE of vote buying, at ano, dedepensahan ulit si Marcos, Jr?
SHAME TO COMELEC! https://t.co/C8hyIv7VgA
— Carwyn Candila 🇵🇸 (@Carwyn_Candila) March 15, 2022
Despite the UniTeam’s visit, Governor Aurelio “Oyie” Umali did not endorse the team. He was on stage but left before Marcos could finish his speech. He also didn’t attend the rally in Talavera town.
Farmers from Quezon town said they support Marcos because of what his late father did for the province.
“Yung patubig, nagbigay po ng patubig at nagbigay ng titulo ang tatay nya,” said one farmer.
Marcos promised to “fix” the agricultural sector to rise in employment numbers.
“Aayusin po natin ang agrikultura para sapat ang ating pagkain at magka-trabaho muli.”
