Batocabe’s widow to seek Daraga mayoral post

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines  – Gertrudes “Gertie” Batocabe, widow of slain Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe, announced on Friday that she will substitute as National Unity Party’s candidate for Daraga, albay mayor in the May midterm elections.

The announcement was made a day after a meeting with President  Duterte at Malacañang and forty-two days after her husband and his police escort SPO2 Orlando Diaz were slain by gunmen while leaving a gift-giving activity in Daraga.

“As early as the moment my father died, people were already clamuring for my mother to pick up the fight,” said lawyerJustin Batocabe, son of the slain lawmaker.

“Even when the President visited … during our internal meeting, he asked my mother to carry on the fight, but of course, those things were not taken lightly. Those were not easy decisions. You do not wake up and suddenly say, ‘Okay. I want to go. I am ready’,” he added.

Justin also said that his mother consulted their family, NUP, their political allies, friends and families, and supporters.

President Duterte also assured the safety of Batocabe’s widow and Daraga residents. /gsg