Even if Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes is an ally, the Liberal Party (LP) was not exempted from paying rent for use of the Mandaue City Cultural and Sports Complex (MCCSC) that was the venue of the party’s rally in Cebu yesterday.
Jamaal James Calipayan, executive assistant to Mayor Cortes, said LP was made to pay P14,000 for the use of MCCSC, even if the mayor is an LP member running for representative of the sixth district congressional seat.
He said the party also applied for and was issued a permit to rally, which costs P150.
“We have them paid the full amount not the discounted rate, just like any organization or group that wants to secure a permit or (use government-owned) areas,” he said.
Calipayan said the rent was for the whole day use of the complex, including electricity and its air conditioning facility.
City sports director Stephen Jumao-as said it was the staff of Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III, the LP Cebu provincial chairman and who is seeking reelection under the party, who placed the reservation for the MCCSC last week.
Calipayan said LP also rented from the city government ten portable toilets, at P2,500 each, that were placed inside the complex for the use of the about 7,000 yellow-clad LP supporters who joined the rally.
The rally was highlighted by the presence of President Aquino. The LP slate was led by standard-bearer Mar Roxas and running mate Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo, and included 9 of the party’s 12 senatorial candidates, namely, Leila de Lima, Ina Ambolodto, Teofisto Gingona, Mark Lapid, Jericho Petilla, Cresento Paez, Joel Villanueva, Frank Drilon and Ralph Recto.