MANILA, Philippines — Lawyer Virgilio Reyes Garcia might not be a family title even in his space — the second legislative district of Quezon Metropolis — however he vows to do one thing drastic if elected to Congress within the 2025 midterm elections:
Defining political dynasty
In an interview after he filed his certificates of candidacy on Thursday, Garcia lamented that whereas the 1987 Structure barred political dynasties, it left a provision — the phrase “as could also be outlined by regulation” — which opened a gateway for family to rule in several elective posts.
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“When elected, primary, gusto kong mangyari, ‘yong hindi nangyari noong 32 or 38 years, it was a very long time in the past when our Congress sitting as a constituent meeting amended the Structure on political dynasty,” Garcia informed reporters.
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“Pero binitin nila kasi they didn’t outline what political dynasty is. Pu-push natin ‘yong definition ng political dynasty in order that we can do that.”
(When elected, primary, what I need to occur is what didn’t occur up to now 32 or 38 years, it was a very long time in the past, when our Congress sitting as a constituent meeting amended the Structure on political dynasties. However they stopped wanting defining what a political dynasty is. We’ll push for the definition of political dynasty in order that we can do that.)
“Kasi sabi ng Structure, bawal ‘yong political dynasty as could also be outlined by regulation. So ang aking gagawin, primary, I’ll push for the definition of political dynasty para ‘yong pagbabawal ay maipatupad, malabanan natin ang corruption, matulungan natin ma-alleviate ‘yong poverty due to this, tapos good governance,” he added.
(As a result of the Structure says political dynasties are usually not allowed, as could also be outlined by regulation. So what I’ll do, primary, I’ll push for the definition of political dynasty in order that we are able to implement this, battle corruption, and assist alleviate poverty due to this, then good governance.)
Based on Garcia, plainly administrations have been hell-bent on ridding the nation of corruption, with out realizing that dynasties contribute quite a bit to the issue.
“Truly we have now a number of ills in our authorities now, however we’re fixated on corruption. Corruption, corruption, corruption, however what are you able to do? It appears to be ingrained in us. However while you need to battle corruption, you must battle it from the roots, and one in every of them is due to the election, I imagine that our downside now, political dynasties, which is about 80 p.c of our authorities officers,” he stated.
“(At the least) 80 p.c of that, political dynasty ‘yan. When you’ve got dynasties, the persons are poor,” he added.
Uphill battle
Garcia is looking for a Home seat within the second district of Quezon Metropolis, which is at present occupied by Rep. Ralph Wendel Tulfo.
The Tulfos are a brand new and rising clan in politics. Rep. Tulfo is the son of Senator Raffy Tulfo and ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Jocelyn Tulfo, and the nephew of ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo.
Rep. Erwin is looking for a Senate seat within the 2025 midterm elections, alongside together with his brother, broadcaster Ben Tulfo.
Garcia stated he is aware of the percentages are stacked towards him.
“Oh that’s true, I do know that from the beginning, my opponents have been very sturdy, very fashionable,” Garcia stated when requested about his opponents.
“However I offered myself in its place. Second, after I ran once more, a extra fashionable candidate, a well-moneyed guess ran, I stated ‘I’ll nonetheless provide myself in its place candidate’,” he stated.
“In order for you a real consultant at Congress, if you would like somebody who will enable you to, who is aware of the regulation as a result of I’m a lawyer, then I’m right here providing my providers to you,” he added.
Apart from the Tulfos, two different Home aspirants for the second district of Quezon Metropolis have filed their certificates of candidacy — Francisco Palma, who stated that he’s a retired Second Lieutenant on the Philippine Air Pressure, and a sure Roel Bernido.