NETIZENS on Thursday demanded that the social networking site Facebook “take down” presidential candidate Manuel Roxas II’s political ad for being “offensive,” but the ruling Liberal Party played it down.
‘‘What we’re saying in social media, haters gonna hate. The propaganda against Secretary Mar [Roxas] are just the same and aren’t true,” Akbayan Rep. Barry Gutierrez, Roxas’ spokesman, said Thursday.
Roxas’ newest political ad had him stripped down in a “tight shot,” making a simple pitch that he’s “no drama, just work.”
In an apparent reference to rivals Vice President Jejomar Binay and Senator Grace Poe, who both have interesting narratives, Roxas talks straight to voters saying while he doesn’t have a compelling storyline, he knows what to do.
“They say I didn’t grow up poor. That I don’t have a dramatic story. But the elections aren’t about me. It’s about you and your family. I won’t give you drama. I’ll focus on creating jobs for you. That’s what I know. That’s what I can do,” Roxas said in his new 30-seconder ad.
“I will continue the Straight Path. If there’s anything lacking, I’ll correct it. If there’s anything wrong, I’ll make it right.
“Most importantly, I will not steal from you,” said Roxas in another reference to Binay who is facing allegations of corruption during his time as Makati Mayor.
In another version of the ad where he speaks in his native Hiligaynon, Roxas says he’s not up to drama and is not a bully, referring to Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.
“Why Mar? I don’t have drama and not asking for pity. And I’m not a bully and an abuser. Most importantly, I will not steal from you. No drama, just work,” Roxas said in the twenty-seconder ad.
Meanwhile, in a release sent to reporters, Roxas reportedly “frowned” after hearing the negative attitude of the supporters of the rival camps who apparently felt alluded to by his political ad.
“Roxas insisted that the simple but sincere message was not in bad taste,” the release said.
Gutierrez defended the LP’s standard bearer, saying those who took the ad as “offensive” may have “hit the mark in their case.”
“They cannot throw any substantial issue against Secretary Mar so they resort to making up fantastic stories,” Gutierrez said.
“In the final analysis, Secretary Mar is a person focused on jobs and a person you can trust will not steal from you, will not abuse you and betray the trust of the public.”