2019 elections seen as way to consolidate power — political analyst
Political Analyst Ramon Casiple during the Pandesal Forum on February 19, 2019. Noy Morcoso/Inquirer.net
MANILA, Philippines — The upcoming 2019 midterm elections could be seen as way to consolidate power, a political analyst said on Tuesday.
The polls determine what the administration has already done and what it has yet to do, Institute for Political and Economic Reform executive director Ramon Casiple explained.
“Papasok tayo sa midterm election. Pinaguusapan yung presidente, kung ano ang nagawa niya, kung ano pa yung pwedeng mangyari sa last half of his term,” Casiple said in a media forum.
“Ano ngayon ang ibig sabihin nitong midterm na ito, partikular sa 2019? Ako, tingin ko, consolidation ito ng power,” Casiple added.
Casiple said this election can help the administration push for its campaign promises such as shifting the Philippines to a federal system of government.
“May mga campaign promises siya na kinakailangan ng malaking bahagi talaga. More than super majority pa nga. Ang mini-mean ko dito, ‘yung federalism,” he said.
Meanwhile, the midterm election’s significance to the opposition, Casiple said, is “like a propaganda” for the 2022 elections.
“Para sa opposition, ang midterm election basically is like a propaganda para sa 2022. Pero ang malaking usapin dito immediately ay makakuha sila ng tamang positioning lalo na sa Senado para maging critical base for 2022,” he said.
Duterte’s senatorial candidates include PDP-Laban’s five-man slate, dubbed “MaBaGoKoTo” — former police chief Ronald dela Rosa, former presidential aide Bong Go, Maguindanao 2nd District Rep. Zajid Mangudadatu, Sen. Koko Pimentel, and former presidential political adviser Francis Tolentino.
Other senatorial bets the president is endorsing include include folk singer Freddie Aguilar; re-electionist Senators Sonny Angara, JV Ejercito, Cynthia Villar; Taguig Rep. Pia Cayetano; and Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos.
Meanwhile, the opposition coalition dubbed “Otso Diretso” includes former Interior secretary Mar Roxas, Magdalo partylist Rep. Gary Alejano, Sen. Paulo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV, Atty. Jose Manuel “Chel” Diokno, former member of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission Samira Gutoc and former House Deputy Speaker Lorenzo “Erin” Tañada. /je
