Casiño open for “third force”

CEBU, Philippines - Bayan Muna Party-list Rep. Teddy Casiño is open to the possibility of having an alliance with the other independent candidates to form a “third force” in the coming May 13 elections.

Casiño, who is running as independent candidate for senator, was in Cebu yesterday to solicit the support of the over 2.5 million voters in the province. He said he is open to the idea of forming the “third force”.

“I am open to the idea but as of now, there are no formal talks on this matter,” said Casiño.

Casiño said the idea of uniting all independent candidates to form an alliance came from his well-meaning friends. His friends allegedly wanted new faces and not the traditional politicians and members of political dynasties in the Senate.

“Kasi nga sabi nila kung mag-unite yung mga indepedent candidates, mas malaki ang chances na manalo. During campaign, we will have more resources and machinery,” he said.

The proposed “third force” will include Casiño, Puerto Princesa Mayor Edward Hagedorn and Bro. Eddie Villanueva of the Jesus is Lord Movement.

Casiño however admitted that while the idea is interesting but this is very difficult to do it because each of the independent candidates has their own platform.

Meanwhile, Casiño calls on his fellow senatorial candidates to focus on their platform of government instead of quarrelling each other.

“Hindi talaga tama na away na lang ng away and to the extent na nakalimutan na yung mga plata porma ng isang kandidato,” Casiño said.

He criticized the candidates of the Team PNoy and the United Nationalist Alliance for attacking each other in the media.

“Dapat ang pag usapan kung ano yung mga programa mo para sa mahihirap at ibang sector sa lipunan,” he added.

Casiño went to the different public markets in Cebu City yesterday. He said he will be back next month for a more extensive campaign in the vote-rich province. —/FPL (FREEMAN)