Team PNoy denies collapse of partnership

Team PNoy Spokesman Ben Evardone. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–The reported break up of President Benigno Aquino’s Liberal Party and Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) is not true, Eastern Samar Representative and Team PNoy Spokesman Ben Evardone said Wednesday.

Evardone said the supposed collapse of the political partnership in Team PNoy is “part of a tsunami of intrigues” to break a formidable coalition.

“After they (referring to United Nationalist Alliance or UNA) failed in their attempt to win over our three official candidates — Chiz (Senator Francis Escudero), (Senator) Loren (Legarda) and (Grace) Poe–our adversaries are trying another move to distract our campaign,” Evardone said.

Reports say that NPC has withdrawn support for LP senatorial bets, citing “irreconcilable difference.”

NPC has reportedly junked the three LP candidates—Jamby Madrigal, Bam Aquino and Ramon Magsaysay Jr. —replacing them with candidates from the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA).

Evardone called on UNA to stop employing desperate tactics.

“It is unfortunate that they are resorting to this tactics. It is a sign of desperation. We reiterate our call to focus on issues and platforms in this campaign,” Evardone said.