Mar Roxas, Bam Aquino deny rift among opposition senatorial bets

Former senator Mar Roxas and reelectionist Sen. Paolo Benigno Aquino . FILE PHOTOS

BACOLOD CITY — Is there a falling out among the opposition senatorial candidates?

Former senator Mar Roxas and reelectionist Sen. Paolo Benigno Aquino were both in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental on Tuesday and Wednesday but they campaigned separately.

But both claimed there was no such thing.

Roxas dismissed such talk as “intrigue.”

“During the political season, there are a lot of fake news and intrigues that circulate. For me, I am concentrating on presenting my platform to the people, especially on the economy, “ he said.

Claims of a possible falling out among Otso Diretso senatorial candidates surfaced after Roxas was seldom seen campaigning with the opposition slate since the campaign period kicked off on February 12.

But Aquino said he was surprised at the insinuations, and asked where the rumors came from.

He said there were times that the candidates could not go together due to the conflict in the schedule.

“It’s just normal,” he said.

Aquino said such talk was counterproductive.

“There are only a few of us. We’re the underdog in this race … we have no time for that. I’d rather prefer to talk about issues,” he said.

“I hope all of us win,” Aquino added.

Roxas, who was campaigning at the Burgos Public Market in Bacolod on Wednesday, was asked by a reporter about talks of a falling out among the opposition senatorial candidates.

The former senator replied: “Maybe it is just you who are causing such intrigue. I just heard about that.”

“I will not entertain intrigue in the campaign. It is only now that I heard about that … don’t believe that,” he said.

“Each candidate has different invitations and schedules. The Philippines is very big. We just follow our strategies, tactics,” he said.

He pointed out that he had been campaigning at public markets in Negros since Tuesday.

“I am concentrating on presenting my platform on the economy,” Roxas said.

Roxas said that if he wins a Senate seat, he would push for the repeal of excise taxes on fuel, noting that these are driving up the cost of transportation and of basic goods.