Just a week more to go before election, sudden changes in political alliances in Mati City has somewhat stirred the hornet’s nest.
In a recent development, Davao Oriental Governor Nelson Dayanghirang and Rep. Cora Malanyaon have reportedly ceased supporting the candidacy of incumbent Mati City Mayor Carlo Rabat.
The two, according to very reliable sources, are now behind former Mati City mayor Michelle Nakpil Rabat who is the first cousin of the incumbent mayor.
Sources said that the falling out between Carlo Rabat and Dayanghirang/Malanyaon alliance started way back during the barangay election.
The rift was worsened when Carlo Rabat is allegedly supporting a different set of candidates than his own slate that was provided for by the Dayanghirang/Malanyaon alliance.
The competition between the Rabats have been ongoing for years now. Michelle Rabat is the daughter of former governor Francisco “Paking” Rabat. Carlo Rabat is meanwhile the son of former Mati mayor Luisito Rabat.
Michelle Rabat and her father were instrumental in Mati’s cityhood.