WITH the clock ticking steadily closer to the May 9 elections and the funds running dreadfully low, Leni Robredo and her camp have now set their sights on the Chinese community to refurbish their dwindling resources.

Seemingly disheartened by the turn of events and disillusioned that the funds were being misappropriated by some of Leni’s closest minions, a source inside the Leni-Kiko Headquarters in Quezon City revealed that they have received instructions from no less than Robredo herself “to start a subtle fundraising campaign from the taipans, particularly those based in Binondo and other business hubs in the country.”

The source leaked the invitation card addressed to several Chinese businessmen.

“Dear Friend of Leni, We’re at the home stretch of all our efforts to ensure that we elect and install the best candidate for the Presidential Election of 2022- LENI ROBREDO. There will be an AMBAGAN PARA SA KINABUKASAN on April 18, Monday, at 6 p.m. at the East Ocean Palace Restaurant, Aseana Business Park, Parañaque,” the invitation reads.

The hosts of the “fundraising dinner” assured, “VP LENI will speak to the guests, while a speaker will update us on current Grounds Efforts, Vote Protection and Election Day plans.”

“Your generosity and support will go a long way to ensure that honest elections will see our President lead us to a future we all desire for our children, apos, and countrymen. Tables of 10 patriots are P500,000 or one seat at P50,000. It would be nice if you can go with family or friends to join you at a table,” the request ended.

The ploy, however, seemed to have backfired and caused strain on certain Chinese businessmen who had already shelled out substantial amounts of money at the onset of the campaign.

“Nag-donate na kami nung November. Medyo malaki din ‘yun. Parang nakakapanghinayang na kasi maglabas ng pera kasi mukhang wala na talagang habol kahit anong gawin. Isa pa, nasaan ‘yung pondo na pinadala ng CIA? Alam namin ‘yun,” a textile manufacturer from Valenzuela said.

Another businessman lamented that Robredo’s people have been regularly “visiting” his office and asking for additional funds for tarpaulins and other collaterals on top of the money he had given on the side of the Caloocan Grand Rally that was held at the Notre Dame of Greater Manila a couple of weeks back.

“Parang may ipinatago kung manghingi. Malaki na naiambag ko kahit hindi pa nakakabawi ang negosyo ko,” he said.

The source said the businessmen donors were promised to be given “preferential status” if and when Robredo and Pangilinan win the elections, which is highly unlikely to happen considering that a particular candidate has been consistently leading the surveys from all reputable poll survey firms.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Lee Ann P. Ducusin