JEDDAH, 26 April 2004 — A group of Filipinos in Jeddah, which earlier said it was supporting the presidential bid of former Education Secretary Raul Roco, said yesterday it has decided to shift its support to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
Leaders of the Basilan Overseas Muslim Workers Association (BOMWA), which claims to have 400 members, said they decided to go for Arroyo in view of the uncertainty of Roco’s presidential bid.
Roco pulled out of the campaign last week to seek medical treatment in Houston, Texas, reportedly for “chronic back pain.”
“Honestly, I am for Roco because of his intelligence, platform and experience. But in view of his health condition and uncertainties on his presidential bid, I have to act quickly and so we are going for GMA (initials of President Arroyo),” said Omar Alam, the group’s treasurer.
He said Arroyo was their second choice “because of her dedication and tremendous support for the needs of the Filipinos in general.”
Association president Edong Sario described Arroyo as the “super lady” needed by the country in countering threats and terrorism.
“She had already done a lot for the people and so let us give her another term so that she can do more,” added another member, Munib Piscalin.
BOMWA leaders announced their decision at the La Parilla Restaurant in Jeddah during a meeting with leaders of the OFW-4-GMA, Arroyo’s lead campaigner in the Western Region.
OFW-4-GMA is formed largely by leaders of the Kasapi Congress.
