DAGUPAN CITY – After his overwhelming victory, Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. remains a target of perceived black propaganda as hordes of his poor provincemates trooped to his house seeking “balato” (goodwill money gifts) on a bum steer.
The ruse started on Wednesday evening as hundreds of tricycle drivers and other poor people marched towards De Venecia’s house in Bonuan Binloc in this city, carrying with them campaign materials of the speaker.
They claimed that they were advised by unidentified persons to proceed to De Venecia’s house for a “balato” but they have to bring any campaign material bearing the name of De Venecia and his Dagupan tandem, Alipio Fernandez Jr. and Belen Fernandez for mayor and vice mayor, respectively.
“It was like there was a revolution going on. It was terrible,” an observer said.
Police were deployed to ease the tension caused by this ploy.
The De Venecia camp was forced to go on radio to announce there was no such advice coming from them.
But before they knew it, people again gathered at the auditorium of San Fabian town for the same purpose. Re-elected mayor Mojamito Libunao Jr. tried to explain to the people that they were just misled or fooled by some people with intentions to destroy De Venecia.
Then, the other day, the same incident happened in Manaoag town.
De Venecia called up The STAR Saturday night to seek help in informing the public that those who voted for him should not believe this kind of evil ploy obviously hatched by his enemies.
“I appeal to them to stop. Have pity on those whom you fool because they spent money for their fare, plus their time and efforts,” he said.
“What do you want to happen? Let’s move on,” he told his detractors.
De Venecia’s wife, Gina, said she is saddened by this kind of dirty trick.
“This never happened before. Those who did this are sick and silly,” she said.