Teddy Casiño reiterates call for end of political dynasties

Former Bayan Muna party-list representative Teddy Casiño on Monday reiterated his call for the end of political dynasties as he pushed for democratic governance in the country.

Interviewed over Super Radyo dzBB’s Ikaw Na Ba? The Senatorial Interviews, Casiño said the prohibition of political dynasties should be a people’s movement.

“Sa demokrasya, we are a government for the people of the people by the people. Hindi nangyayari 'yan sa Pilipinas. We are a government of the rich by the political dynasties by the corrupt politicians,” said Casiño.

*Under democracy, we are a government for the people of the people by the people. But that’s not what’s happening. We are a government of the rich by the political dynasties by the corrupt politicians.)

“Number one d'yan, ‘yung pagwawakas ng political dynasties. Nasa Constitution naman 'yan, kailangan lang talaga na may magtutulak sa Senado. Hindi lang sa Senado, kundi sa labas ng Senado. It has to be a people’s movement,” he said. 

(The number one solution is to end political dynasties. That is under the Constitution, we just need someone to push it in the Senate. Not just the Senate but outside it. It has to be a people’s movement.)

Section 26 of Article II of the 1987 Constitution states that: "The State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law.

However, there is now law yet defining political dynasties. Several proposed measures have been filed in the past to stop political dynasties but lawmakers have yet to agree on its definition.

Casiño, adding that informed citizens are necessary for democratic governance, said the proposed Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill should be finally passed into law.

“Ang mga mamamayan natin ay hindi makapag-participate kasi hindi nila alam kung ano ang mga nangyayari talaga. Ang FOI long overdue ‘yan, kailangan natin ipasa,” he added. 

(Filipinos cannot participate in governance because they do not know what is happening. We need to pass the long overdue FOI Bill.)

The ex-lawmaker is also pushing for the revival of the Land Reform Act for farmers, strengthening the basic education system, removing confidential and intelligence funds in civilian agencies, free healthcare program, and legislated wage hike. 

Casiño is running under the senatorial slate of House’s Makabayan bloc, joining ACT-Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro, Gabriela Party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas, Kilusang Mayo Uno secretary general Jerome Adonis, former National Anti-Poverty Commission lead convenor Liza Maza, and Pamalakaya secretary general Ronnel Arambulo.—AOL, GMA Integrated News

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