The Palace was quick to react when a photo showing a vehicle with red license plate carrying campaign materials for Liberal Party (LP) standard bearer Mar Roxas circulated online.
The photo was posted on Feb 25 on the Facebook page of the group called Citizens Against Crime, Poverty and Corruption (CACPC). The photo showed a black Toyota Hilux (license plate number SKD 417) loaded with tarpaulins bearing the name of Roxas and the words Daang Matuwid. As of 6am on Feb 29, the photo has been shared 21,222 times.
An ABS-CBN News report quoted a text message that presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda sent to reporters wherein he said, “We’re glad that citizens were vigilant. There is no excuse for the use by the local government of their vehicle by any supporter for any candidate.”
The Team Daang Matuwid spokesman, Akbayan party-list Rep. Barry Gutierrez, explained that they “did not authorize the use of government vehicle for Roxas’ campaign.”
Gutierrez said, “The Daang Matuwid coalition has not authorized, and will not condone such practice. We are currently looking into this matter to get the full story, and we will take the appropriate action once all the facts are in hand.”
He then reminded their supporters to “strictly comply with campaign rules and regulations.”
So far, no other details have been released about the alleged government-owned vehicle involved in this burning issue.
