Puentevella: I was playing tennis at the time of the event

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

In response to claims made by former Bacolod City Councilor Bobby Rojas claiming former Bacolod City Mayor Monico Puentevella, who is running in the upcoming 2019 midterm elections for Bacolod City lone district representative, was denied entry into last week’s PDP-Laban campaign rally in Victorias City, the congressional candidate denied the story.

During a press conference yesterday, the former mayor explained he was playing tennis in Bacolod City at the time of the event, which attracted around 50,000 to the Victorias City Coliseum. Puentevella also affirmed he did not receive an invitation to the event from the party nor did the Office of the President request his presence.

“I would not go unless I was invited,” he said. “When I go to Malacañang, I make sure that my name is there.”

Earlier, Rojas claimed he was asked by Office of the President personnel if the former mayor had arrived at the rally. When the former city official asked why they were inquiring about the matter, he said they informed him instructions were given to prevent Puentevella from entering the premises.

Rojas also noted, while having lunch with Senator Aquilino ‘Koko’ Pimentel III, he was informed someone had been banned from entering the coliseum.

The former city councilor’s wife, incumbent Bacolod City Councilor Cindy Rojas, is running for reelection on incumbent Mayor Evelio Leonardia’s Grupo Progreso ticket./DGB, WDJ