Bernabe healthy, not quitting Parañaque race

MANILA, Philippines - Parañaque City Mayor Florencio Bernabe yesterday denied reports that he will quit the mayoralty race because of his deteriorating health.

Bernabe said he is not sick and in fact, has been very active in campaign activities all over the city.

“It is not true that I’m quitting and that my wife will take my place to run for city mayor this May elections. This is just the handiwork of my political rivals who are already desperate since they have not been getting as much support that I do have now,” the mayor said in a press briefing in Parañaque.

He likewise said that contrary to recent reports, he did not fall unconscious in any of the political rallies he attended. “Together with the other candidates under the Lakas-CMD party, we’ve been going around the city almost everyday even if it is being held at night or under the scorching heat of the sun,” Bernabe said.

Though Bernabe admitted that he underwent bypass operation, he said this did not weaken him and that he can still engage in sports and other physical activities.

Bernabe claimed that in recent surveys conducted in the city, he has been leading against his opponents.

Former mayor Joey Marquez, who is running as an independent, and outgoing Rep. Eduardo Zialcita, is challenging Bernabe.