CEBU, Philippines - The marriage of PDAF scam whistleblowers' lawyer Levi Baligod and Baybay City's social leader and philanthropist Malot Galenzoga last May 28 in Silang, Cavite drew mixed reactions due to the attendance of high profile personalities from government, church, media, military and business sectors.
But the newly-wed Levi and Malot, who have already anticipated the issues that may arise due to the inclusion of Vice President Jejomar Binay, Leyte 1st district Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and former Chief Justice Reynato Puno, as principal sponsors, made sure that their wedding ceremony stayed in low-profile and private affair, away from public exposure.
Levi and Malot chose to had their wedding rites at the San Antonio de Padua Parish in Silang, Cavite, far from the urban hustle and bustle of Metro Manila.
"It is my dream to have a solemn marriage with Levi and I prayed that the people can understand a woman's wish during this once in a lifetime occasion," Malot told The Freeman when asked on how she will deal with his husband's national prominence as a lawyer in the PDAF controversy.
"There is no politics," declared Baligod, saying that the wedding participants and guests were personal friends, associates and relatives.
After the wedding, Baligod said he would continue his awareness campaign against the PDAF scam. "Even in Leyte, we can still educate Filipinos on matters relating to PDAF," he said as he noted the possibility of living in his wife's province.
Baligod, a known advocate for the rights of common Filipinos, said he was also very supportive of his wife Malot's advocacy on women's welfare and livelihood programs, as evidenced by their announcement that the income of their "curacha dance" during the reception will be donated to the Yolanda victims in Baybay City.
Cebu-based businesswoman Betty Roble was among the principal sponsors, while her son Joy Roble was among the secondary sponsors.
The wedding ceremony was officiated by Most Rev. Diosdado Talamayan, archbishop emeritus of Tuguegarao (Cagayan), with Bishops Nereo Odchimar of Tandag (Surigao del Sur), Filomeno Bactol of Naval (Biliran), Martin Jumoad of Basilan, Precioso Cantillas of Maasin (S. Leyte), Raul Martinez of San Jose (Antique), Camilo Gregorio of Batanes and Leopoldo Tumulak, head of the Military Ordinariate of the Philippines. (FREEMAN)