The artist of the comic book that tells the life story of Liberal Party standard-bearer Manuel “Mar” Roxas II is not supporting the man he immortalized in ink.
On his personal Facebook account, veteran comic book illustrator Karl Comendador said that he was just commissioned by the supporters of the former Interior secretary to do the comic book “Sa Gitna ng Unos.”
As early as February, Comendador has posted a photo of the then-unfinished cover of the comic book with the disclaimer: “Trabaho lang po! Walang personalan!”
While he illustrated the now-controversial comic book, Comendador said that he is supporting Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte for president.
He also shared posts expressing support to administration vice presidential bet Leni Robredo on his Facebook account.
“Marami po akong naidrowing na komiks pampulitika noon at ngayon. Trabaho lang po, sana’y inyong maunawaan. Maraming salamat po. DUTERTE PO ANG PRESIDENTE KO!” he said.
The illustrator has also apologized to those who may have been offended by how Roxas was depicted in the comics.
“Kung mayroon man po akong nasaktan na mga tao o organisasyon dahil sa ginawa kong komiks pampulitika ay nais kong ulitin at malaman nyo na trabaho lamang po iyon. Sa simula pa lang ay open na ako sa kung sino ang gusto kong Pangulo ng ating bansa dahil ang ugat ko ay isang bisaya at ako ay kay Mayor Digong. Salamat po sa pang-unawa ninyo,” Comendador said.
The comic book drew flak on social media after it depicted Roxas as a hero in the aftermath of super typhoon “Yolanda” that ravaged Eastern Visayas in 2013.
READ: Comic book showing ‘hero’ Roxas during ‘Yolanda’ draws flak
In a statement on Monday, Koalisyon ng Daang Matuwid spokesperson and Akbayan party-list representative Ibarra “Barry” Gutierrez III said that the comic book was made to debunk the attacks against Roxas.
Gutierrez also said that Roxas has owned up to his performance in the aftermath of the storm, despite criticisms that the government was too slow in its response.
About 6,000 people died in the tragedy. AJH/JE
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