IN Yorme Isko’s town hall meetings, like the one he held with senior citizens of Sampaloc, Manila recently, this young and energetic national leader made no bones about it—political dynasty must go, starting with the City of Manila, and if possible, all over the country.
Mayor Isko Moreno likes to enumerate the number of officials and/or employees surnamed Lacuna and Pangan at City Hall.
If I remember right, the list includes incumbent Mayor Honey Lacuna, her brother Philip Lacuna, president of the Liga ng mga Barangay and therefore a member of the City Council; her husband Dr. Poks Pangan, the city health officer, and her other brother Architect Dennis Lacuna, among others.
Isko mentioned this to drive home his aversion to any political dynasty that is monopolizing political power in Manila, and other cities and provinces for that matter.
Power over everything
The Constitution specifically limits the terms of office of the President, Vice President, senators, congressmen, governors, mayors and even barangay officials precisely to prevent the abuse of power, which happens when political power is concentrated in a few hands or family members.
As if this were not enough, the same 1987 Constitution in its Section 26, Article 2 declares the fundamental directive: The State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service. The State shall prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law.
Candidate Isko Moreno likes to point out that after more than 36 years, Congress has failed to enact a law to flesh out this constitutional provision.
Meanwhile, the Lacuna-Pangan clan has been dominating many positions of power at City Hall, as enumerated above.
“Matagal akong naging mayor ng Maynila, at naging vice mayor din ng lungsod na ito. Nakita ba ninyo ang aking misis na nakikialam sa patakbo sa City Hall? Nakakita ba kayo ng mga taong may apelyidong Domagoso na nasa puwesto dun?” Isko Moreno asked.
Isko cites voters in Sampaloc
In Sampaloc or District 4, Isko Moreno is endorsing the candidacy of Joel “JTV” Villanueva for representative in Congress. He is a new face in national politics but a highly qualified candidate who talks sincerely about his achievements as councilor in the City Council, and his plans for the future if he wins this election.
JTV is a member of Yorme’s Choice, the team of pro-people, pro-God candidates in Manila.
Both JTV and Isko recalled the various congressmen and congresswomen who ruled Sampaloc, Manila and were given the full 9-year term.
After Ramon S. Bagatsing Jr. completed his term in 1998, Rodolfo Bacani was elected to replace him. He served from 1998 to 2007 and endorsed his family replacement but the voters rejected the idea.
Ma. Theresa Bonoan-David won in 2007 and served the full term of nine years. In 2016 she endorsed her sister to replace her but again, Sampaloc voters were not impressed.
Thus Edward Michael Maceda was elected as representative in 2016. Always the magnanimous constituency, citizens of Sampaloc gave Maceda the full nine years ending in 2025. Maceda has endorsed his wife Giselle to replace him in Congress.
If you notice, voters in District 4 wanted to change their representative after giving them three consecutive terms, and perhaps receiving almost nothing in return by way of public service.
This year should be the year when JTV Villanueva takes his oath as duly elected member of Congress.
“The way to fight political dynasty is to get an honest, winnable candidate for the position long held by family or clan members,” said Isko Moreno.
And we agree.
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