ILOILO CITY — Iloilo is now considered as one of the bailiwicks of the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made the statement after he was asked by one of the members of Iloilo media during the first Malacñang press briefing here Sunday afternoon.
“Yes, the President now considers Iloilo and the rest of Ilonggo speaking areas as his bailiwick. As in fact, all surveys would indicate he is now the overwhelming leader of the entire Philippines,” he added.
Iloilo has been reportedly known to be the bailiwick of the Liberal Party for the past years.
But for the past months, thousands of local officials here have already joined the ruling Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban).
Last August 2017, more or less 3,000 elected officials in Iloilo City took their oath with PDP-Laban at Iloilo Convention Center in Mandurriao district.
Last September 2017, more or less 4,000 local officials in the 1st district of Iloilo province also joined the party.
Just recently, Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Sr. was among the 4,000 officials from the 3rd district of Iloilo who took oath with the party. He was joined by his sons, 3rd district Rep. Arthur Defensor Sr. and Board Member Lorenz Defensor.
PDP-Laban secretary-general and House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez administered all of the said series of oath-taking of the local officials here.
In a previous interview with Alvarez, he expressed hope to unify Iloilo politicians under the ruling party before the end of the year.
Roque was in this city to join the Ilonggos celebrate the 50th year of Dinagyang Festival. (PNA)
