Senatorial aspirant John Castriciones. FILE PHOTO
CAVITE, Philippines — Former Agrarian Reform secretary John Castriciones has been included in the senatorial slate of Manila mayor and presidential candidate Isko Moreno, said Aksyon Demokratiko chairman Ernest Ramel on Thursday.
“Yes, we are happy to announce that Former Agrarian Reform Secretary Castriciones is joining our team,” Ramel told reporters in a phone call.
Aside from Castriciones, Moreno’s senatorial slate also includes Samira Gutoc, Carl Balita and Jopet Sison.
Castriciones, however, is also part of the senatorial ticket of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan faction led by Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi.
Ramel said Castriciones is a “welcome addition” to the Aksyon Demokratiko’s slate.
“He will not only bring his integrity, experience and knowledge in helping out our farmers… Our standard bearer has repeatedly said that the lack of food security is a threat to national security,” he said.
Ramel continued: “We are sure that Sec. Castriciones will provide more credence to Mayor Isko’s platform of ensuring food security for the Filipinos and a better life to our farmers.”
Castriciones is the president of the Mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte National Executive Coordinating Committee (MRRD-NECC), which endorsed Moreno’s presidential bid last week.
When asked if the endorsement given by the MRRD-NECC led to the inclusion of Castriciones in Moreno’s Senate slate, Ramel responded: “Well, that, of course, that was the part that started the ball rolling.”
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