Senate bets tackle pol dynasties

CEBU, Philippines - Eight senatorial candidates express different views on political dynasties at a forum held at Cebu Cultural Center yesterday.

Those who attended the forum were independent candidates Teddy Casiño, Ricardo Penson, Bro. Eddie Villanueva and Samson Alcantara; UNA senatorial bet Miguel Zubiri; Team PNoy bets Edgardo “Sonny” Angara and Grace Poe and Kapatiran candidate Lito David.

Casiño said that Congress must pursue a bill prohibiting political dynasties, if not, a people’s initiative must be done to put a stop to dynasties.

Poe for her part said that voters’ education is very important to counter political dynasty.

Kapatiran’s bet stated: “Kung may delicadeza sila, hindi na sana sila tatakbo. Dapat hindi natin iboto ang mga miyembro ng political dynasty.”

Angara pointed out the constitutional provision that guarantees equal access to opportunities for public office, so Congress must pass a law to define political dynasty.

Angara sees a long-term discussion is needed on this. But for now, Angara said, “I think we should not vote for a candidate just because of his family name. The good thing about the anti-dynasty movement is, it has stopped and looked at the candidates individually,” he said.

Angara , son of Senator Edgardo Angara, said people should vote not on the basis on name recall, on the basis of famous last names, but on the basis of sincerity to serve and track record.

Zuburi said that it’s high time that the anti-dynasty bill shall be passed. He even suggested that each region shall have two senators for equal representation.

Penson, whose platform of government includes anti -political dynasty, said that

a law against such dynasty is long overdue. He said the will of the people shall prevail during elections.

For Villanueva, political dynasties “must be dismantled.” Alcantara, for his part, said that there is good and bad political dynasties just like there is good and bad cholesterol.

“Dapat lang ilagay doon sa bill, kung hanggang saan na civil degree ang political dynasty”, he added.

Thousands of their supporters, bringing streamers and wearing t-shirts and caps, also joined the forum to cheer their respective candidates .

Meanwhile, Commission on Elections-7 director Temie Lambino lauded efforts of organizations, especially media outfits, in conducting forums for candidates.

Lambino, who gave the welcome message yesterday at the senatorial forum, said forums are very important, especially in Cebu which has the biggest voting population among all provinces in the country.

“Importante na hindi lang poster ng kandidato makikita nila but their platforms.”

Lambino said Commissioner Sixto Brillantes notified him to attend the event.

He said that the Comelec is supporting organizations that conduct such activities for voter’s education. —/JPM (FREEMAN)