Indie bets have more freedom — Casiño

CEBU, Philippines - Being able to shy away from the bickering of the traditional political parties is one advantage of independent candidates over their opponents who have affiliations.

This was according to senatorial candidate Teddy Casiño who sees his being an independent candidate as a gain for his end rather than a drawback as far as boost of campaign is concerned.

In a press conference yesterday in Cebu, Casiño said that being independent means he can focus on his campaign more and in delivering his message to the voters rather than dwelling on issues of partymates and  political party.

Casiño said he can also have his own strategy in campaigning and would not need to abide by directives imposed on candidates like that of the Liberal Party and the United Nationalist Alliance.

"Very flexible ang campaign. I am not tied down to party policies," he said.

Also, he said that not being affiliated with one party makes him free to talk to any candidate from any side.

Casiño was in Cebu yesterday and today for campaign sorties. He said that he was strengthening his presence in vote-rich Cebu which he assured would be given the needed support if he wins in the May 13 elections.

He said that he would promote Cebu as an industrial hub as well as push for policies that would protect the Province as an investment hub, especially with the cost of power.

Casiño was also in Cebu last week to seek for the support from  rival parties Team Rama of incumbent Cebu city Mayor Michael Rama and the Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK) of incumbent South District Rep. Tomas Osmeña.

Both Osmeña and Rama are vying for the mayoral post but Casiño said that he is courting the support of both parties since both are his friends.

Rama earlier said though that he will not endorse national candidates without the go signal of UNA partymates in Manila. (FREEMAN)