LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines – Gertrudes “Gertie” Batocabe, widow of slain Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe, announced on Friday that she will substitute as National Unity Party’s candidate for Daraga, albay mayor in the May midterm elections. The announcement was made a day after a meeting with President Duterte at Malacañang and forty-two days after her husband and his police escort SPO2 Orlando Diaz were slain by gunmen while leaving a gift-giving activity in Daraga. ADVERTISEMENT“As early as the moment my father died, people were already clamuring for my mother to pick up the fight,” said lawyerJustin Batocabe, son of the slain lawmaker. Justin also said that his mother consulted their family, NUP, their political allies, friends and families, and supporters. President Duterte also assured the safety of Batocabe’s widow and Daraga residents.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer February 01, 2019 15:56 UTC