• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The Visayan Bloc and League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP) issued statements of support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Nov. 18, a day after Senator and presidential sister Imee Marcos accused him of using illegal drugs, and following claims by former partylist solon Zaldy Co linking him to budget insertion.
“Marcos has been the target of political attacks meant to distract the nation from the real work at hand. The Visayan Bloc expresses its full support for Marcos and, more importantly, for the anti-corruption crusade he began,” the bloc, composed of Visayas officials, said in a statement posted in the FB page of Bacolod Rep. Alfredo Benitez.
“Good governance is not a partisan project; it is a moral obligation. We stand with the President because we stand with every Filipino who deserves honesty, transparency, and accountability in public service,” it added.
The bloc noted that these attacks followed Marcos’ “unprecedented and uncompromising campaign against corruption—a campaign that has opened inquiries, exposed systemic anomalies worth billions of pesos, and shaken long-entrenched networks of influence and abuse.”
It urged colleagues in government, and Filipinos, to reject distractions and political theatrics. “The fight against corruption is bigger than any individual, administration, or party — and it is a fight we must see through, together.”
The Visayan Bloc also said it remains committed “to working with the President to ensure that this moment becomes a turning point in our country’s journey toward clean, accountable, and principled governance.”
The LPP, meanwhile, stressed that instead of further divisiveness, “now is the time for government officials to close ranks to focus on the various important issues that need to be urgently addressed.”
It said the country is still reeling from devastations brought about by two major earthquakes that rocked several provinces in the Visayas and Mindanao, and the back-to-back typhoons Tino and Uwan, which necessitate government and private intervention and initiatives in order for the people and the country to recover.
“The people’s rights to assembly and expression are guaranteed under the Constitution. A line must be drawn, however, against those who wish to use such constitutional rights for their vested interests,” stressed the LPP statement in GA Resolution 13-03-25-28, expressing full support for Marcos Jr. and reaffirming its commitment to uphold the Constitution, democracy, and good governance.
It also encourages its member-provinces and governors to remain steadfast in promoting peace, stability, and accountable governance, and to work closely with national authorities in safeguarding institutions and upholding the Constitution, democracy, and the rule of law. | CGC
