A NEW coalition of political parties was launched on Friday with its primary bets for the 2016 elections blaming traditional politicians of ruining the country in favor of Big Business.
Called “the New Third Force”, the coalition is composed of the Partido ng Lakas ng Masa, Buklod, ATIN or Alliance for Truth Integrity and Nationalism, Ang NARS, Sanlakas and the Democratic Party of the Philippines.
Both the PLM, ATIN and the DPP have successfully launched a nationwide campaign for the past two elections, even elected several of their members in Congress and local government posts. While the Buklod is a registered political party under the Comelec, and the second time to take part in a nationwide campaign.
Thousands of flag-carrying members of the Sanlakas Young Officers Union founder, former army general Diosdado Valeroso, and nationalist businessman Richard Penson in filing their Certificates of Candidacies before the Comelec offices.
Former Rep. Walden Bello’s CoC was filed in the United States.
Asked why they are running for a national seat, the candidates say the country needs a change in its direction. The candidates believe the country is impoverished more by its lack of vision, perpetuated by the elites who want the Filipino people to remain blind and disunited.
Bello is a former professor of political science who became a Congressman after running under the AKBAYAN partylist. After the Mamasapano incident, Bello’s relations with his former political party soured. Bello resigned his post as a legislator, while the AKBAYAN continues to support the Aquino administration.
Valeroso founded the YOU which launched several revolts against the first Aquino administration. In 1992, Valeroso was arrested and spent several years in detention.
The Ramos administration granted him pardon and Valeroso went on to excel as a dedicated police officer in the Philippine National Police. He is an MBA graduate of the Asian Institute of Management and a member of PMA class 1982.
Valeroso is an expert in national security and served as the country’s police attache in China.
Richard Penson is a highly successful businessman who dedicated his life in pursuing the Nationalist agenda. He is the first to launch the anti-political dynasty movement and became highly vocal in criticizing the acts of several families who continue to behave like feudal lords in their respective provinces. This is his second time running for a national post.
Sanlakas first party nominee Leody de Guzman believes that their candidates stand a very good chance of getting three seats at the Senate.
Buklod aims to campaign in the provinces and reach as many people as they can to explain their Vision for a Bagong Pilipinas, a platform that addresses poverty and joblessness.