- Southern Leyte governor Roger Mercado says he’s proud of fellow ‘Maasinhon’ Duterte
- He admits to being torn between his ties with Duterte and duty to the Liberal Party
- However, he says he will not force Southern Leyteños to vote for someone against their will
- The mayor, on the other hand, says all he wants is fair elections in the province
MANILA, Philippines – Like being caught between a rock and a hard place.
On the occasion of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte’s visit to him in Maasin City which is his birthplace, Southern Leyte Gov. Roger Mercado admitted he is torn between his fellow ‘Maasinhon’ and his duty as a member of the Liberal Party.
“Here is a person who claims and is very proud to claim that he was born in Maasin, Southern Leyte. Who are we to say no to him?” Rappler quoted him as saying.
Despite his dilemma however, Mercado — who said he cannot disregard his cultural and blood ties with Duterte — nonetheless vowed not to force Southern Leyteños to vote someone they don’t want.
“As a party man, I am Liberal Party so we have party discipline. But we give freedom,” he said. “I cannot say no because I will be a traitor to my own province, city, and people if I hold them.”
“Mayor, we are proud of you as a Southern Leyteño. We will pray hard that you will become the president of this country,” he added.
For his part, Duterte said he won’t force Mercado to endorse him or bolt the LP — only that he’ll get a fair shake in the province.
Post a Comment