Arroyo visit ‘disrupts’ Noynoy campaign schedule in Davao

DAVAO CITY - Even if they did not cross paths directly, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo managed to “disrupt" the visit here of presidential candidate Sen. Benigno Simeon “Noynoy" Aquino III. Aquino’s camp on Tuesday night was forced to make changes to his itinerary after learning this city was to be a no-fly zone until 11 a.m. Wednesday. Mrs. Arroyo is in Davao City for her Super Regions performance evaluation. The no-fly zone rule is a security precaution taken to protect the president from possible attacks and security threats. On Wednesday, Aquino and running mate Sen. Manuel Roxas II were to fly on a helicopter at 10 a.m. to Sultan Kudarat from Davao for a students’ forum at the Sultan Kudarat Polytechnic State University in Tacurong City. They were also scheduled to hold a multi-sectoral dialogue at the Isulan municipal gym in Sultan Kudarat, before heading for Digos City for sorties and a courtesy call to Bishop Guillermo Afable. Instead of the 10 a.m. flight, Aquino and Roxas’ handlers scheduled instead a market tour in Davao City, until the no-fly zone is lifted. Visit to Apollo Quiboloy Meanwhile, Aquino said he has not scheduled a visit to local religious leader Apollo Quiboloy, at least not during this campaign visit. He told reporters here on Tuesday night that he has set another visit here - likely on March 9 or 11 - just so he can visit the influential figure. “May naka-set sa March 9 or 11. Di pwede basta pupunta ka. Tapos may conflict ang last, birthday ng kapatid at bayaw ko noong 14 and 15 (I have set a visit to him on March 9 or 11. I cannot just go there whenever I please. The last time I was supposed to go was last weekend, but there was a schedule conflict. As you know, my sister’s birthday was Feb. 14, and my in-law’s birthday fell on the 15th)," he said. Aquino said that as far as he knows, there was an invitation for him to attend a worship service of Quiboloy’s group. But Aquino said he and his sister Kris had paid a courtesy call to the Iglesia ni Cristo, adding that they were given a “gracious" reception. However, he did not say when that visit was. On the other hand, he said his group remains open to seeking the support of other religious groups, including the El Shaddai of Brother Mariano “Mike" Velarde. He stressed he values dialogues and possible endorsements of all groups. What is important is to maintain lines of communication and dialogue, he added. El Shaddai In the El Shaddai’s case, he said he is waiting for a mutual friend’s advice on when would be the best time to pay a visit to Velarde. But Aquino said that while he wants the Catholic vote, he will not sacrifice his stand for responsible parenthood. He also stressed he is not the author of the reproductive health bill, which the Catholic Church opposes. “Nanumpa ako maglingkod sa taumbayan, nakita ko kakulangan ng estado at pinakakawawa ang bata na walang kamuwang-muwang (I took an oath to serve the people. I cannot stand idly by and do nothing to break the cycle of population explosion and poverty)," he said. - LBG/RSJ, GMANews.TV