Batangas Liga ng mga Barangay President Fernan Rocafort has fired back at allegations made by Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste regarding the supposed exclusion of several villages from a recent government aid distribution, attributing the lawmaker’s claims to “political ambition.”
The dispute centers on a recent visit by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to the province, during which ₱200,000 in financial assistance was allocated to each barangay.
Leviste previously asserted that at least 84 barangays were intentionally sidelined from the event due to political maneuvering.
While Rocafort initially viewed Leviste’s concerns as valid, he expressed skepticism following the lawmaker’s continued narrative.
Speaking in a television interview on Sunday, the Liga president suggested that the accusations may be a platform for higher office.
“Siguro tingin ko, politika po ang ginagawa niya. May ambition po siya siguro na siya maging gobernador,” Rocafort stated.
Rocafort underscored the importance of unity among local leaders, arguing that the delivery of public services should never be hampered by partisan friction.
He further clarified that barangay officials maintain a nonpartisan stance, focusing strictly on grassroots governance rather than provincial power struggles.
“Ang akin namang dapat nakikita po dyan, dapat makipagtulungan kasi kami… dapat maganda ang samahan,” he added.
The Liga chief concluded by urging officials to prioritize cooperation to ensure that national aid reaches the community level effectively and without unnecessary controversy.