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Friday, March 29, 2024

Isko eyes regional Senate, 2-party system among reforms

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Presidential candidate Isko Moreno Domagoso on Wednesday declared that he will push for charter change to institute political reforms that will pave way for a regionally-elected Senate and the shift to a two-party political system to bring about unity and equality and political stability through a more inclusive government.

“If we really want unity, we can show that Mindanao, Visayas, and Luzon are equal, the senators should be voted in their region. Two per region, so that’s 34 senators,” Moreno told reporters before embarking on a motorcade around Marikina City.

“To at least reassure the people of Samar, Leyte, or Iloilo, Batanes, Tawi-Tawi, that they have a senator who is their neighbor, knows their culture, traditions, and customs or their heritage, who will fight for government resources for their regions and respective areas,” the 47-year-old standard-bearer of Aksyon Demokratiko said.

In particular, Moreno seeks amendment of the 1987 Constitution to make way for a bigger Senate with two senators being elected in each of the country’s 17 regions for a total of 34 senators from the current 24 elected nationwide.

Moreno said it is his dream and aspiration to give candidates like Aksyon’s Samira Gutoc, and other well-meaning individuals, including indigenous peoples (IPs), a fighting chance to become senator and give their respective regions and culture equal representation and opportunity in the Senate.

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“Because I want to see senator Igorot, because he was elected in his region. I want to see a Moro senator, a Lumad, or other compatriots in their respective areas, wherein, they will have a specific, geographical constituency,” Moreno stressed.

In pursuing such an amendment, Moreno pointed out that since senators are currently elected at-large, and only those who came from well-known political families who have the capability to finance a national campaign are, more often than not, elected to the Senate. 

“So, if you are not famous, even if you are good in a particular town, you have little chance of becoming a senator. And a senate run is very costly. What is happening, it seems to be a franchise. It is a cycle, just them, just the family,” he lamented.

Additionally, the Manila city mayor said he would push a shift to a two-party political system, where the president and the vice-presidential candidates are voted in tandem, to bring more political stability in the country.

“Because the vice president must always support the president, because that is the one who has the mandate that he is the leader of the country. The problem is when the vice president is the opponent, for the next five years there is nothing to do but quarrel with the president, oppose the president even if he is no longer in place, or maybe because of politics or maybe just personal intentions as a political growth,” Moreno explained.

“So, he can’t help people, he can still consume. So, it is timely that maybe the president and vice president have only one vote. This political system, on top of the economic provisions that also need to be changed, will create stability in the hearts and minds of our people,” he said.

Moreno also wants the party-list system reviewed because it is no longer serving its original purpose of providing the marginalized sectors of society representation in Congress. 

“What is happening now, it seems that the party-lists are the rich, not the sectors that need help. You can notice, I’m not pointing to anyone, but investigate,” Moreno said.

“It seems that the party-list system has only favored the rich. What about the farmers now, the fishermen or the urban poor sectors, how are they? They are gradually fading away because the money is already working when the rich individuals use and pass through that party-list system,” Moreno explained.

“So, it is time for us to review, investigate and see what safety measures we can attach to the party-list system, Senate, and president and vice presidency,” he added.

But knowing the many attempts and failures of past administrations in amending the Constitution, Moreno said he will work closely with the Legislative branch and do his best to convince lawmakers to pass the amendment.

“I’ll try my best to be sensible to the legislative body. And if not, there is another provision in the Constitution, to submit it directly to the people. There are rules available legally and technically. The leaders, when you are in charge and you want to push for good for the people, when you see a wall, look for a ladder, we will cross,” Moreno said.

Encouraging political inclusion, developing national sense of belongingness, and promoting respect for culture, religion, and livelihoods of minorities through an open, transparent and inclusive governance is one of the pillars of Moreno’s 10-point Bilis Kilos Economic Agenda that will be his blueprint to accelerate human and economic growth once elected president.

“So now, you will see a Senate full of highly-diverse individuals. Only the people of Metro Manila can no longer occupy the Senate. So, when they discuss things about our country, everybody is given a chance to be heard. Everybody will be given a chance to have a piece of the pie of the resources of the national government being shared to a particular geography,” Moreno pointed out.

Through this, Moreno said Filipinos are further assured that the people are foremost in the mind of the government.

“This is a matter of principle of how we can make people feel first. Naturally, we curve management based on looking for time and opportunity, and responding to human needs,” he said.

Moreno is quick to add that he is not saying the 1987 Constitution is bad nor lacking, but that certain provisions must be amended to adapt to the changing times and needs of the people.

“So if we want to be different, let’s do something else, let’s mix it up, so that somehow, people can feel that this government, that is listening to me, knows how I feel,” he said.

“So I want to have (amendment), because it is my commitment. God have mercy, with your help, I have committed to you – rich, middle class, poor, Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, the people, equal. We will feel that,” said Moreno.

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