Ikaw Muna Pilipinas has expressed disappointment over Easter Sunday's joint press conference among presidentiables Isko Moreno, Panfilo Lacson, and Norberto Gonzales that attacked and called on Vice President Leni Robredo to withdraw from the presidential race.
"We categorically state that the joint press conference was nothing but a show of the also-rans. Instead of promoting your candidacies, you resorted to destroy and tarnish the good name of VP Leni," said the group in a statement, which was signed by Thomas Orbos, Elmer Argaño, Rommel Abessamis, Philip Evardonne, and Ed Cojuangco.
"It is unfortunate that Mayor Moreno, Senator Lacson, and former [Secretary] Gonzales have taken the road of vindictive machismo attacking a lady, our dear VP Leni, with no way to defend herself."
During the event, accusations flew that Robredo's camp was trying to strip other presidentiables of their support groups ahead of the May polls.
IM Pilipinas, which recently switched from Moreno to Robredo's side, cried foul at the allusion that they were paid to transfer sides.
"Mayor Isko, it pains us sincerely that you allude us of being paid? Is that how you perceive all help that you got from us?" the statement said.
"For someone who has not thanked us despite the voluntary help we have given to you, now we understand and regret whatever admiration we had for you."
According to the volunteer group, their transfer to Robredo and their call for unity was because the vice president reported surging numbers in pre-election surveys.
"She is our best bet and we thought you would understand that you would be doing a great service to our country to have a united front. And even beyond the elections, a new coalition government could have been possible with all your strengths put together," they said.
They further pointed out that the presidentiables' "Easter drama" only focused on themselves but not on the Filipinos.
"You all mentioned all about yourselves and how you all felt but never about how the Filipino people felt and fared in this. Sarili muna. Nakalimutan ang tao."
According to IM Pilipinas, the presidentiables' Easter press conference only convinced more people to switch to Robredo, including:
- Ret. General Renato Boy Miranda, Philippine Marines who headed the "Former AFP/ PNP Officers for Isko
- Jocel Baac former governor and now Vice Gubernatorial Candidate under Aksyon Demokratiko in the province of Kalinga Apayao
- Former DOTr Undersecretary Raoul Creencia - founder of "NAISKO"-umbrella organization of Isko Volunteers and the group "Forge Ahead" composed of former government executives supporting Moreno
- Former Assistant Secretary Raine Robinson, also a member of Forge Ahead
- Atty Mac Gordon- founder of Biskobai Volunteers, another large organization in the province of Cebu
- Ambrosio Kangleon - head of VISCOBAI Leyte
- Iniigo Larrazabal - head of IM Pilipinas in Ormoc, Leyte
- Atty George Habacon - Rizaleno para kay Isko, Taytay Urban Poor
- Councilor Arbee Zaragosa of Natividad Pangasinan - convenor of Isko Northern Alliance (INA)
- Quezon City Councilor Dante de Guzman running for re-election under Aksyon Demokratiko
- Gani Oro running for Quezon City councilor under Aksyon Demokratiko
- Apple Francisco for Quezon City councilor under Aksyon Demokratiko
- Melissa Mendez running for Quezon City councilor under Aksyon Demokratiko
- Louie Opulentisima - Zamboanga LGBTQ
- JC Melvin Gapol - Youth Leader Zamboanga
- Nick Malazarte – Former Youth Leader
- Dr. Rey Sarmiento - Community leader
- Rudy Palapal - IM Nueva Ecija Convenor, Farmer Associate Leader
