HEAVY rains spoiled the political rally of presidential bet Manila Mayor Francisco ‘Isko’ Moreno Domagoso, sending many of his supporters to seek shelter on the sidelines and leaving empty chairs in Cagayan de Oro, yesterday night.

Drenched, Moreno tried to keep the spirit of his supporters going but in the end, nature won and he had to tell his audience to go home.

The washed-out stage and streets in Divisoria, Cagayan de Oro where the rally was held were empty by 7 pm. The rally started at 6 pm when the rains started to pour.

ISKO IN ORO. Supporters of presidential candidate Manila Mayor Francisco ‘Isko’ Moreno Domagoso wait for his caravan to pass in Velez Street, Cagayan de Oro on Monday. Photo by Froilan Gallardo

The heavy rains were among the series of disappointments for Moreno who visited Gingoog City, eastern towns of Misamis Oriental, and Cagayan de Oro, an area where he has no big-name political supporters to back his presidential bid.

Moreno first went to Gingoog city where he made a courtesy call to Mayor Erick Canosa whose political patron, Vice Mayor Pedro Unabia has declared support to former Senator Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.

Unabia is running for governor of Misamis Oriental in a three-way fight with Rep. Juliet Uy (2nd District, Misamis Oriental) and Cagayan de Oro Mayor Oscar Moreno.

CONSUELO. Misamis Oriental Gov. Yevgeny Vincente ‘Bambi’ Emano (right) gave a token gift to Presidential bet Manila Mayor Francisco ‘Isko’ Moreno Domagoso in Cagayan de Oro Monday. Emano, however, did not give an endorsement to the presidential bid of Moreno. Photo by Froilan Gallardo

Moreno next visited Misamis Oriental Governor Yevgeny ‘Bambi’ Emano who gifted him with a token but stop short of endorsing his presidential bid.

“We just made a courtesy call to Governor Emano who graciously received us,” Moreno said.

The rally in Cagayan de Oro started with a mardi gras spirit when a group of 50 members of the local community in costume and torches greeted his motorcade.

MEET AND GREET. A costumed member of the local gay community climbs aboard the truck as presidential bet Manila Mayor Francisco ‘Isko’ Moreno Domagoso woos his supporters in Cagayan de Oro on Monday. Photo by Froilan Gallardo

Then the rains came and spoiled the rally.

Moreno will have another disappointment today when a scheduled rally in Marawi City as the rift between his local supporters and his campaign staff widens.

Drieza Liningding, leader of the Marawi Consensus Group and a supporter said Moreno supporters did not prepare for the scheduled rally as a protest against his national campaign team led by veteran political strategist Lito Banayo.

Liningding said the national campaign team has been “misreading the local political situation” when it did not entertain an offer from MILF Commander Abdullah Makapaar aka “Commander Bravo” to mobilize its fighters and families for a rally for Moreno.

He said the national campaign team instead chose to meet with Lanao del Norte Governor Imelda Dimaporo.

“Dimaporo is a BBM supporter and their family has always supported the Marcoses since Martial Law,” Liningding said.

Banayo has denied these allegations but the rift has to widen leading to the postponement of the rally in Marawi today.