Ending months of speculation, party list Representative Teddy Casiño today said he will be running for senator independent of the UNA or LP coalitions.
"Our consensus in the party is that I am better off running solo. In this way, I won't be tied down by the political complications and baggages that a coalition of traditional parties usually entail," said the lawmaker, who is on his third term as Bayan Muna congressman.
Casiño will be running under the Makabayang Koalisyon ng Mamamayan (Makabayan), which is composed of several party list organizations and progressive politicians. The party will be holding its second national convention in Manila this Friday at the PUP Gymnasium.
"Makabayan will field only one senatorial candidate in the 2013 elections. Teddy brings with him a voters base of 3.5 million plus a ground-level machinery that is unmatched by any senatorial candidate. We are confident he will become senator next year," said Makabayan Secretary General Nathanael Santiago.
"By running solo, I can effectively deliver my message of change. The traditional political parties have failed to uplift the lives of our people. It's time for new parties, new voices and new leaders to enter the Senate," declared Casiño.
Casiño admits being an unlikely senatorial candidate. "I don't come from a political clan. I'm not rich. Nor am I a showbiz or media personality. This is precisely the point of my candidacy - that we need someone new in the Senate, someone who can be the voice of the ordinary folk."
"Teddy will be running as a non-traditional candidate. It is best if he is not included in the coalition of traditional parties. He will walk the walk and talk the talk of the politics of change," said Santiago.
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