Batocabe son: My uncle’s statement that mom will run only his opinion

The son of slain Ako Bicol party-list Representative Rodel Batocabe's on Friday denied reports that their family has finalized a decision to field the lawmaker's wife, Gertie, as a replacement candidate in the upcoming mayoral race in Daraga, Albay.

Justin Batocabe's clarification came after his uncle and the lawmaker's brother, Dennis Batocabe, was quoted in reports as claiming that members of their and the Duran clans have decided that Gertie will continue her husband's mayoral bid.

Justin said his uncle was probably just expressing his "opinion and desire" on who would be the rightful replacement of his father, who was killed in an ambush during a gift-giving event in Daraga on December 22 last year.

"Nothing official pa po. Yung sinabi ng uncle ko kun basahon ta tabi ay an opinion/kagustuhan na si ma an magdagos kan laban," the younger Batocabe told GMA News Online.

Though not yet sure who it would be, Justin earlier vowed that a Batocabe will replace his father in the local race.

Justin did not give final details, but said his uncle or his mother were the two being considered as replacement.

"Siguro ia-announce namin kapag mas malapit na ang eleksyon kasi isang aspetong pang-seguridad din ito na kung sino ang ia-announce namin na tatakbo, baka siya ang maging susunod na target," Justin said.

The late lawmaker had served as a representative of the Ako Bicol party-list for three terms, along with his fellow Ako Bicol party-list Representatives Alfredo Garbin Jr. and Christopher Co.

For his part, Justin said he would serve as second nominee of the Ako Bicol party-list in the upcoming 2019 elections to continue his father's legacy to the party. — MDM, GMA News