JEDDAH, 4 May 2004 — With only one week left before the May 10 national elections, community leaders here in Jeddah are in a rush to join President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s OFW-4-GMA party. Recent poll surveys show GMA is leading against her archrival popular movie actor Fernando Poe Jr.
Council for Fernando Poe Jr. Movement Secretary General Bobby Dalos, in what seems to be a sudden change of heart, has already shifted his group’s full support to the incumbent president and her entire K-4 ticket.
In a meeting with the leaders of Lanao, Davao, Sulu Archipelago (Landasul) held Sunday night at La Parilla Restaurant, Ben Garcia, president of the Jeddah based OFW-4-GMA told the group: “It is a sudden change of heart and is a tough decision for Dalos, but we are happy in welcoming him with open arms in supporting GMA.”
Just like Dalos, former Migrante chairman Poe Gratela, once a fierce GMA critic is now an avid supporter and emissary of the president.
In a meeting with the OFW-4-GMA leaders last week, he promised to help in addressing major concerns of the GMA supporters.
Landasul group, said to have more than hundred members, declared their “last minute” support of Arroyo’s party.
“Before we run out of time, we want it to be known that our group unquestionably support’s Arroyo’s ticket.
“We need a leader with dignity, a solid platform of government and a sure program for all OFWs,” Ben Adams, chairman of the group, said.
Since its launching last month, several groups have already joined and supported the OFW-4-GMA party.
These groups include the United Bangsaranao Council, the Basilan Overseas Muslim Workers Association and the Cebuano groups.
