By Briane Basa
Independent, not opposition.
This is how senatorial aspirants Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan will identify themselves as they push for an issue-oriented bid for the 2025 midterm elections.
Aquino and Pangilinan made this remark in an ambush interview during an event by the Kaya Natin! movement, a good governance advocacy group chaired by Aquino.
The two aspirants, along with human rights lawyer Chel Diokno, are among the senatorial bets of the Liberal Party, where Pangilinan sits as chairperson.
Aquino, Diokno, and Pangilinan were also invited by Akbayan earlier this month to join what the party asserts to be the true opposition slate for the senatorial race.
What “independent” means
Aquino said as independent candidates, they get to commend the administration for its achievements and also call it out for its promises that have yet to be fulfilled.
He noted for instance how he applauded Pres. Bongbong Marcos for his move to ban Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) in the country during his State of the Nation Address in July.
“But at the same time, maraming naghihintay roon sa mga programa para ibaba ang presyo ng bilihin… ‘yung pagtugis sa korapsyon na nararamdaman ng napakaraming mga kababayan natin,” Aquino said.
“Mukhang ngayon, ang oposisyon ay talagang ang Duterte group na talaga, and many of us have decided to run as independents,” Aquino added, citing the rift between the then-allied Dutertes and Marcoses.
Pangilinan also encouraged the voters to discern their choices on election day based on the issues that the incoming candidates will support and oppose.
“Ito ang mga dapat nating alamin, na sa halip na pangalan, ano yung track record, dahil pipiliin natin sa darating na halalan, ‘yung mga pro-POGO ba? ‘Yung mga pro-China ba? ‘Yung mga pro-panlilinlang at pagsisinungaling ba?” Pangilinan said.
He admitted, though, that orienting the voters towards an issue-based discernment for the elections proves to be a challenge due to disinformation.
“Ang pakiusap natin, manatiling mapagbantay,” said Pangilinan. “Maging mapanuri. Maghanap ng alternatibong sources ng information, hindi lang ‘yung nababasa o napapanood sa TikTok.”
(PB)
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