Samira Gutoc joins Isko Moreno’s Aksyon Demokratiko

Former senatorial candidate Samira Gutoc has joined Aksyon Demokratiko and was elected as one of its national executive board.

According to Ernest Ramel, chairperson of Aksyon Demokratiko, Gutoc, a Marawi civic leader, is a "perfect fit" for the party because of her good record in public service, especially in helping women and the "bakwits."

"She has initiated community projects that [have] helped uplift the vulnerable and marginalized. We welcome with pride a highly accomplished woman like her to Aksyon's National Executive Board," Ramel said in a statement issued Friday.

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, the newly-elected president of the party, also welcomed Gutoc, saying he is happy to have Gutoc in their party. Moreno was installed as party president during its general membership meeting held Tuesday night.

"Nagkausap kami ni Sam sa City Hall nang bumisita siya. Nagpahayag ang grupo nila ng kanilang pasasalamat sa pagtayo ng siyudad ng kauna-unahang Muslim Cemetery at Cultural Hall," Moreno said.

(I have talked to Sam when she visited the City Hall. Their group expressed gratitude for the construction of a Muslim Cemetery and Cultural Hall in Manila.)

"Mahalaga sa ating kasaysayan at sa kasalukuyan ang ating mga kapatid na Muslim. Sabi ko nga, Muslims brought greatness to us even before the Spaniards reached our shores," he added.

(Muslims are important in our history and in the present happenings in our society.)

Strong voice 

Aksyon secretary general and former National Youth Commission chairperson Leon Flores III said Gutoc would be a strong voice for Muslims and Mindanaoans given her contributions and initiatives for the region.

"She was also Aksyon Kabataan's esteemed speaker in our first national conference in 1998 so her engagement with the party goes a long way. She understands youth development having been an active and progressive youth leader," Flores said.

Gutoc, for her part, said "Aksyon Demokratiko's focus on jobs, hunger, peace, empowerment of the masses and of the youth resonated quite powerfully with me, as these are the same objectives I have set for my work."

She added that she has always been a supporter of the late senator Raul Roco, who founded the party in 1997.

Gutoc was among Otso Diretso candidates who ran for senator but lost during the May 2019 national elections.

She had said she is ready to run again in the next senatorial elections if ever she has enough funds for her campaign.

Gutoc was among The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) Honoree for Youth Development in 2001. — RSJ, GMA News