The country’s most popular candidate on social media, Mayor Rodrigo Duterte revealed revealed during an interview with the media that his group described Sen. Grace Poe as “a puppet” of veteran politician and NPC leader Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco Jr., after the senator defended Danding in the controversial coco levy funds.
According to PDP-Laban Atty. Paola Alvarez, the statement that Sen. Grace Poe being dubbed as “a puppet” of Danding Cojuangco because the statement to defend Cojuangco is clear indication that Sen. Grace Poe is deeply indebted and wants to payback the businessman who was accused of amassing wealth by forcing coconut farmers to pay tax 40 years ago.
The coconut farmers’ or the controversial coco levy funds were allegedly used by Danding Cojuangco to acquire United Coconut Planters Bank (UCPB), San Miguel Corporation and other businesses. Danding Cojuangco is also close to the Aquino administration because he is the uncle of President Benigno S. Aquino III.
“The statement could only be coming from one who is not only a lapdog but at most a puppet—someone who clearly is only in the running for the highest position because of being beholden to her benefactor,” Alvarez said in a statement.
“Absolving Danding, who is your backer, is protecting his interests. It also means that the injustice committed against Filipino coconut farmers continues. It means you allow that,” Alvarez said.
