Arroyo allies explain support for Aquino

CEBU CITY, Philippines—The creation of the National Unity Party was not for political convenience but for the development of the different congressional districts, according to one of its members.

Rep. Benhur Salimbangon of Cebu’s 4th district pointed out that President Aquino needed the support of everyone for the good of the country.

“We are the representatives of the people in our respective districts and in my district, Aquino won with a wide margin. He had the support of my constituents in my district so the people expect me to also support him,” Salimbangon said.

Salimbangon said the NUP will support all the programs of  President Aquino, including the passage of the national budget.

He admitted, however, that he would also seek the support of Mr. Aquino on his pending bill that seeks to  declare the entire district as an economic zone and a tourism destination.

He added he would also inform the President about the projects needed by his district. Besides, he said, Mr. Aquino was fair in implementing projects.

“What would we get by staying with the opposition? Just to stand on our pride?” he said.

Salimbangon said the NUP members had informed former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo about their decision to form a new party that would be supportive of President Aquino’s reform agenda. Arroyo, now a representative of Pampanga, did not  pose any objection, he addded.

Salimbangon, along with the Garcias of Cebu, supported Arroyo when she was President. They even campaigned for former Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, whom Arroyo endorsed for the 2010 presidential election.

Salimbangon and Rep. Pablo Garcia of Cebu’ s 2nd district are part of NUP. Among the members in Cebu are Rep. Luigi Quisumbing of the 6th district and Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, Pablo’s daughter. It was not known if Pablo’s son, Rep. Pablo John Garcia of Cebu’s 3rd district, would also join the NUP where his father is interim chairman.

The Garcias and Quisumbing could not be reached for comment. The governor’s spokesman, Rory Jon Sepulveda, was not available as nobody answered his mobile phone.