Pepero-Kiyu, BB camps still locked in a duel

Both the camps of Babauta-Benavente and Pepero-Kiyu are trying to douse speculation of another duel in next year’s gubernatorial election following disharmony between their supporters.

The move came in the wake of a meeting last Wednesday by over a hundred Pepero-Kiyu supporters at the Villagomez compound, fueling talks that Lt. Gov. Jesus R. Sablan and Senate Vice President Thomas P. Villagomez are running as independent in November 2001.

The two lost to Washington Rep. Juan N. Babauta and running-mate Rep. Diego T. Benavente in the Nov. 4 open primary conducted by the Republican Party in a fight that both camps now acknowledge has left some supporters embittered.

Reacting to the report, Mr. Villagomez said Friday that he was not aware of the meeting, although he had been informed of a plan by the group to hold a get-together party.

“We haven’t met with the group as a whole to discuss any issue,” he told in an interview. Mr. Sablan was in Japan when the meeting took place.

Asked about the possibility of Pepero-Kiyu running against the GOP standard bearers as independent, Mr. Villagomez said “it’s still a long way to go and I hope our supporters and their supporters will be comfortable working together for the next 10 months or so.”

Extra effort

Mr. Benavente, on the other hand, expressed hope of uniting the two camps and that both Mr. Sablan and Mr. Villagomez would stick with their commitment to support the winning team in the 2001 polls.

“There’s been attempt by outside forces to try to divide us,” he told in a separate interview Friday. “What was said at the gathering… while it may come from our supporters, it is certainly something that both John and I do not tolerate.”

The former House speaker likewise maintained key supporters of Pepero-Kiyu have gone to their side, while the camp continues to reach out to others by personally meeting them or calling them up.

He said they have told their families and supporters to make an effort to welcome the supporters from the other camp in order to preserve unity within the ruling party.

Even GOP chair Joseph T. Reyes has taken the initiative to work towards uniting the two camps in a bid to ensure their victory in the polls, Mr. Benavente said.

“There are still some hurt feelings coming from both sides, but we ask every one of the Republican supporters of Pepero-Kiyu for their understanding in making through this rough times of the healing process,” he explained. “We ask them for their support.”

Harassment

But a leading campaigner for Pepero-Kiyu claimed the harassment of their supporters has continued as many have been receiving calls and being told to “pack up your things and leave because we’re coming.”

Dr. Jose T. Villagomez, popularly known as Dr. V, said such action is premature since Babauta-Benavente first needs to win the election next year.

“If they really want to win, they should talk to our supporters. They should stop harassing the people. It’s them who are calling,” he told in an interview.

“They are the ones who are running in the election. It’s them who need our votes next year. The cohesiveness of the Pepero-Kiyu supporters is very, very strong,” he added.

Dr. V at the same time disclosed he offered his place for the meeting when a group of supporters asked him if he could provide a venue.

He said he prepared for a dozen supporters, but close to 200 people showed up during which they discussed various issues, including asking Pepero-Kiyu to run as independent candidates.

That is something that both will have to decide, added Dr. V.

Asked whether the other camp has reached out to them since the primary, he said Mr. Babauta called Mr. Villagomez to get strong assurance that the Pepero-Kiyu will hold their promise not to run.

But Kiyu told Mr. Babauta on condition that none of the Pepero-Kiyu supporters will be intimated, said Dr. V, adding the Washington representative has yet to call again after that initial conversation.