UNA to continue sorties, says Magsaysay

MANILA, Philippines - Zambales Rep. Milagros Magsaysay maintained yesterday the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) will continue to go on sorties around the country despite reports that the Aquino administration is barring some Liberal Party (LP) and Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) local officials from welcoming UNA candidates.

Magsaysay, a senatorial candidate of the UNA, said the party also needs to consult with local officials and the people to get a clearer picture of their needs.

“In the hope of further reaching out to the people and promoting good governance, the UNA senatoriables feel that it is important to touch base with the people to understand what they need,” the lawmaker said.

“It does not matter whether we are accommodated or not by local chief executives. And it is not our intention to cause a rift between them and their parties,” she said.

Magsaysay said the UNA, led by Vice President Jejomar Binay, former President Joseph Estrada and Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, intends to give full support to its members and allies who are experiencing harassment and political manipulation ahead of the May 2013 polls.

“Our platform of good governance – proper health care, education, jobs, investments, environment and holistic development – is patterned after Vice President Binay’s Gaganda ang Buhay, and we believe that our team has the ability to deliver on all these aspects both nationally and locally,” she said.

“It does not matter if there is pressure or political persecution. At the end of the day, the people will be the ones to decide,” she added.

Magsaysay said they will continue their sorties in Quezon on Jan. 29, Jan. 30 in Cavite, Jan. 31 in Rizal and Feb. 1 in Bulacan.