IT is just a matter of time.
Labor leader and Partido Lakas ng Masa (PLM) senatorial candidate Luke Espiritu said Monday night that the days of political dynasties are numbered as they are losing support from the young people and marginalized sectors who are increasingly becoming aware of the failure of the few ruling families to bring about inclusive reforms.
“There is a misconception that political dynasties remain unchallenged. The truth is, the Marcoses, Dutertes and their ilk are now detested by various sectors. The only reason why they remain dominant is money. They control the treasury and are using it to fuel their political machinery. But paid support is the weakest kind of support,” Espiritu said at the sidelines of the proclamation of PLM senatorial candidates at the Bantayog ng mga Bayani in Quezon City.
In contrast, he said that the groups backing him and fellow PLM senatorial aspirant Leody de Guzman are doing so based on a shared belief and principles.
“Take away their war chest and their political machinery, Ka Leody and I will beat them handily if everyone is on equal footing. We can present a solid platform, candidates on their ticket can only dance and sing,” Espiritu said.
He acknowledged that the challenge for their campaign is to bring the disparate groups together to create a groundswell.
“We build forces for change. We plead our case to our youth, the Gen Z who despise traditional politics, the workers who have not lost their will to fight for reforms. We strengthen those forces, and we do know, that it is just a matter of time that these forces will influence the entire Philippine society,” he also said.
Meanwhile, De Guzman dismissed the line-up supported by former President Rodrigo Duterte as the opposition of traditional politicians.
“The Duterte camp is a Trapo Opposition. You only have to look at what they are fighting for, whose interest they are serving. There is little difference between the Duterte and Marcos camps, since both work for the interests of big corporations. We are the real opposition, together with other senatorial bets who promote the welfare of the working class and the common good against the oppressive control of the dynasties and their moneyed masters,” he said.
De Guzman said efforts to build an alliance with similar-minded groups remain in earnest even as everyone is kept busy on the campaign trail.
“We are always open to alliances or partnerships with candidates who are supported by mass sectors from the farmers, the poor, teachers, and indigenous peoples. We continue to reach out to them. Even if the grand coalition doesn’t materialize, we remain united in our objective to tear down political dynasties to stop their exploitation of our people,” he said.
