Independent bets wrap up campaign in social media

Senatorial candidate Ricardo Penson. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Independent senatorial candidates and those from the minor political parties wound up their campaigns on Saturday by using free social media networks, exhorting their supporters and undecided voters to keep up the fight.

On their official and personal Facebook and Twitter accounts monitored by the Philippine Daily Inquirer, the candidates posted pictures of their election rallies and endorsements, thanked their supporters and continued to offer themselves as alternatives to political dynasts and traditional politicians whom they blamed for the country’s woes.

Businessman Ricardo Penson, who is running as an independent, continued his tirade against political dynasties. He thanked various groups and individuals who supported him, from actor Robin Padilla to several party-list and labor groups and even an oil company.

“A government that does not represent its people is never a democracy. End the tyranny; end political dynasties!” he said in one status update on his official account.

“Let us give a chance to newcomers in our politics. Let us be heroes in stopping political dynasties,” he said in another post.

On his Twitter account, Puerto Princesa City Mayor Edward Hagedorn invited residents for a campaign stroll at the city’s bay walk.

“Believers! The impossible is doable if you Vote! Faith and work are keys to success. Do your part, be a part of success on May 13th ‘po.’ Vote!” Hagedorn tweeted.

Brother Eddie Villanueva of Bangon Pilipinas invited supporters to his “miting de avance” at the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City on Saturday.

“Moral revolution for truth, justice & righteous[ness] is the cry of genuine patriotic God-loving, nation-loving Filipinos! Bangon Pilipinas!” he tweeted.

Greco Belgica of the Democatic Party of the Philippines (DPP) posted pictures of his sorties a few days ago in Tondo, Manila, and Novaliches, Quezon City.

“Pumili ng bago ’wag trapo para sa pag-asenso (Choose the new, not the traditional politicians, for progress)!” he said in one post.

Christian Señeres, also of the DPP, posted pictures of endorsers like comedienne Ethel Booba, former Speaker Jose de Venecia, Pangasinan Archbishop Socrates Villegas and Tarlac Governor Vic Yap.

Lawyer Samson Alcantara of the Social Justice Society promised to make his party’s name a “reality” if he gets elected.

“I want a country with social justice. Make social justice a living reality and not merely a slogan. Regardless of what we call the country, regardless of whether it is republican or democratic, as long as there is no social justice, it is a failed country,” he said.

Alcantara, Penson, Señeres and Belgica staged a “Unity Miting de Avance” at the Bonifacio Monument near the Manila City Hall last Saturday.

Makabayan candidate Teddy Casiño, on his Facebook account, posted pictures of endorsers Boy Abunda, Ogie Alcasid, Bibeth Orteza, Vice Ganda and Arnel Pineda.

“I appeal to everyone to not lose hope and express that hope through the simple act of voting. I offer myself as someone you can hope with and act with in making this country better. I am Teddy Casiño and we—you, me and everyone else who aspire to make life better for the ordinary folk—are running for the Senate,” he said in a status update.

On his Facebook and Twitter accounts, lawyer Marwil Llasos of Ang Kapatiran Party said he will continue his fight against the “mga aswang ng lipunan” (the bloodsuckers of society).

“When I filed my certificate of candidacy for senator, I thought of only one thing: to glorify God in the campaign. If I have succeeded in my aim, then I’ve won,” he said on his Twitter handle @iluvmarwilop.

John Carlos “JC” de los Reyes, also of Kapatiran, said that whatever his fate in tomorrow’s (Monday’s) election, he will be resigning as party president “to give way to new, young members who will carry on the fight, prepare and ensure the election of a staunchly, pro-life, pro-Filipino president in 2016.”

“In a political arena where excessive money and popularity are sword and shield, we introduced a kind of politics with new fervor and new methods … We trust that almighty God is with us in these struggles. God bless our country!” De los Reyes said on the Kapatiran senatorial candidates’ Facebook page, “Tatlo Kontra Trapo” (Three Against Traditional Politicians).

The third Kapatiran candidate, Rizalito David, thanked those who showed their support during Kapatiran rallies.

“It is not easy for us to offer ourselves as candidates for senator knowing fully well that we do not stand a chance against those who control the electoral process … We have been humiliated, denigrated and considered as nuisances. But each time the people listen to our message of bringing back our faith to the center of governance … This has made us continue and face everyday challenges and for this I can only be grateful to the Holy Spirit,” he said.