Mitos Magsaysay says LP using arm-twisting tactics on local execs

Senatorial candidates Mitos Magsaysay of United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) and Margarita ”Tingting” Cojuangco, an independent, discuss current political issues during their interview over Radyo Inquirer 990AM on Wednesday. The issues included political dynasties, Senate row, and their political platform.VIDEO by RYAN LEAGOGO/INQUIRER.net | Part 2

MANILA, Philippines – United Nationalists Alliance (UNA) senatorial candidate Milagros “Mitos” Magsaysay claimed Wednesday that the Liberal Party is using arm-twisting tactics on some politicians and local executives who are friendly to UNA.

In an interview with Radyo Inquirer 990AM, Magsaysay said:

“Tinatawagan na po yung mga mayors po na pinupuntahan namin at sinasabihan na next time kapag nag-entertain pa kayo ng UNA candidates, iipitin namin ‘yung mga puwede naming itulong para sa kampanya mo sa darating na May 2013 elections.”

(They are calling up mayors whom we have visited telling them that next time that they would entertain an UNA candidate they cannot expect any support for their campaign in the upcoming May 2013 elections.)

The Zambales representative also said the threats local executives are receiving from LP include funding the campaign of their rival candidates by the ruling party if they will not cooperate.

“Sinasabihan sila na sige kapag inulit mo pa yan, bubuhusan namin ng pondo iyang kalaban mong Liberal para matalo ka,” she added.

Magsaysay also said a Liberal Party operative even chided a congressman in Batangas for being friendly to her.

UNA candidates, she said, were barred from attending conventions and events such as Philippine Councillors’ League as organizers claim the gatherings are open only to LP members.

According to the Zambales lawmaker, she suspects that this early LP operatives are using these tactics to lay the groundwork the party’s victory in the 2016 presidential polls.