Senatorial candidate Jiggy Manicad yesterday urged the Filipino electorate to try fresh faces and new names in the coming political exercise.
Manicad, a multi-awarded broadcast journalist, made the statement following the much-talked-about argument between warring Binay siblings that erupted in front of television cameras.
“This should serve as a wake-up call to the electorate, especially the youth, to consider new names and new faces among those seeking public office,” he said.
In a study called the “Political Dynasties and Poverty: Evidence from the Philippines” conducted from 2007 to 2016 by the Ateneo de Manila School of Government, the number of positions occupied by political clans rose from 75 percent to 78 percent among district representatives; 70 percent to 81 percent among governors; and 58 percent to 70 percent among mayors.
The study also found that the largest political dynasties can be found in the poorest areas in the Philippines.
Manicad acknowledged that though members of political clans have more “name recall,” voters should look beyond this.
“Alam naman natin na mas malakas ang sinasabing name recall ng mga kilalang apelyido ngunit dapat tumingin ang mga botante hindi lamang sa kasikatan ng kandidato kundi sa abilidad at plataporma nito,” he said.
Manicad also said that in a democracy like the Philippines, fresh ideas could trigger fundamental changes that could bring lasting solutions to the country’s perennial problems.
“When you are able to bring new faces with new ideas, and mix that with the experience and wisdom of more veteran politicians, this is going to be good for the people they vow to serve,” he said.