Councilor Javi Campos III on Tuesday was mum on Councilor Diosdado Angelo Mahipus Jr.’s query whether he would still run under the Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod (HTL) Party in the upcoming 2025 midterm election.
In his privileged speech during the session, Mahipus told Campos to address the speculations that he would be switching political party.
This developed after a photo of Campos with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Ilocos Representative and Presidential Son Sandro Marcos, Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Anton Lagdameo, former Senator Manny Pacquiao and reelectionist Francis Tolentino has circulated online.
Campos and Mahipus both ran in the Second District of Davao City under the HTL.
“I understand the sentiments of Honorable Mahipus and I can imagine that other members of this August body. I cannot speak for the entirety of my family, but for myself having served this council for two terms I have nothing but good experiences with my colleagues,” Campos said in an interview.
Campos expressed gratitude to the leadership of the city government under then-Mayor Sara Duterte and currently Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte.
“They have been nothing but kind to me and it’s been a privilege and honor to learn and to work on this council,” he said.
Campos and his family including former Davao City Third District representative and Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano, and Second District representative Vincent Garcia, were all supporters of the Dutertes.
Mahipus raised speculation concerning the loyalty of Campos following the circulation of the photo.
“The past few days of being uncertain we have seen photographs of our colleague attending the political activity of the other side of the political fence. Perhaps in fairness to him, because speculation has been raised as to his loyalty to the party, it may be fair because I know that our colleague, Councilor Campos, is level-headed, fair, and rational. Therefore, this may be an opportune time for him to address our people to remove all doubts, in order for him to clear the air and inform us if he will still be running as city councilor together with us in the Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod Party,” Mahipus said.
Mahipus also clarified that he did not utter his words with malice but rather as a colleague as according to him, Campos is amiable to him.
“I also respect their family but I think as a partymate we deserve to be informed on whether or not he will still be with us in the upcoming elections. If he would still be with us that would be better because that means we will remain united in our stand against the oppression and political attacks against the city of Davao,” Mahipus said.
Mahipus also addressed his colleagues in the August chamber to remain united.
“For after all, we are not going to enter office for our self-interest but rather for us to be of effecting service to our people. That being said, in the coming days we will be filing our COC and I am hoping that we will all be together in our efforts to protect and serve the gains of yesterday under the administration of the Dutertes,” he said.
Mahipus also called on the Dabawenyos to remain united and strong amidst these crucial times that would determine the future of the city and country.
“We must stand together, especially for the past months we have been experiencing, for our leaders in the city, who have been experiencing political attacks. Kay kita karon gidaug daug, kita karon gihikawan. So I am calling the people to be united. I am also calling our friends in the different sectors of the city to be united this time,” he said.
