Imus, Cavite, March 23, 1998 - Barangay leaders and civic organizations have been mobilized to safeguard the March 25 wedding of Cavite Governor Ramon "Bong" Revilla, Jr. and Lani Mercado.
There have been reports that a congressman and a defeated candidate's family have hired protestors to disrupt the wedding festivities.
Revilla, however, reached out to the "marchers against poverty" and belittled reports that the group had been paid to disrupt his wedding. Revilla said he shares the group's concern and asked them to join him "in drafting a balanced and sustainable development plan for Cavite province."
"I have spoken out against indiscriminate conversion of agricultural land and Kristong Manggagawa knows which politicians have a heinous record in this area," Revilla said.
Ordinary citizens of Cavite have volunteered to act as marshals during the wedding. Protestors are expected to be outnumbered by tens of thousands of fans and Revilla supporters expected to join the festivities.
Leading the list of wedding sponsors are: President Fidel Ramos, Vice President Joseph Estrada, Speaker Jose de Venecia, Senator Ernesto Maceda, Mayor Alfredo Lim, former President Corazon Aquino, Senator Gloria Macapagal and First Lady Amelita Ramos.
Reported by: Sol Jose Vanzi
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