Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Aspiring president Manila Mayor Isko Moreno said there is nothing wrong if politicians will move from one political party to another as long as their loyalty is to the people.
Moreno admitted that politicians like him use parties as vehicles to secure victory in local and national elections.
He added that the law allows politicians to jump from one political party to another.
“Siyempre gusto ng mga kandidato katulad ng mga kasama ko rito na gusto rin nilang manalo so kailangan masakyan tayong sasakyan and the law allows it,” he said in the Kapisanan ng Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) Presidential Candidates Forum.
(Of course, candidates would like to win in elections so they need vehicles to ensure victory and the law allows it.)
“What matters most at the end of the day — this is the most important thing — ‘yung loyalty mo nasa tao,” he added.
(What matters most is your loyalty is to the people.)
A “political butterfly” is a politician who flits and floats from party to party, driven by the politics of convenience and personal interest.
“Balimbing” and turncoats are other terms used to describe politicians who change sides depending on expediency, financial gain or proximity to the center of power, the presidency.
Moreno said serving the people should be the politicians’ “north star” or guide and if the political party is no longer serving the people, it’s no use to stay.
“Kahit kapartido mo pa ‘yan, pag talipandas yan, ‘pag ‘yan ay walang hiya o kaya nag-aabuso o kaya’y wala na sa direksyon ng pagseserbisyo sa tao ‘yung partidong kinabibilangan mo, bakit ka naman magiging tapat doon? Bakit ka naman mananatili doon?” he said.
(Even if the person is your party-mate, if he is no good or abusive, or if the political party is no longer in the service of the people, why would you remain loyal? Why would you stay there?)
Moreno was previously a member of the Nacionalista Party from 2006 to 2012, then he jumped to the Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino from 2012 to 2016. In 2012 to 2014, he was also a member of the United Nationalist Alliance then shifted to the National Unity Party from 2016 to 2021.
He is running for president under the Aksyon Demokratiko party.