Luke Espiritu wants political dynasties dismantled

Senatorial aspirant, lawyer, and labor leader Luke Espiritu emphasized the urgency of political reform, focusing on dismantling political dynasties and advocating for a social justice agenda. 

"Parating sinasabi ang aking plataporma ay simple. Sisimplihan ko sa political reform: 'yan ang kailangan mabuwag ang dynasties, at social justice agenda," he said during the iTam Halalan Forum 2025 on Wednesday. 

Espiritu warned that the Senate already had multiple members from influential families in it and could be dominated by political dynasties after the May election, "mga dynastiya na kumokontrol hanggang lokal papuntang nasyonal,” he said. 

Espiritu criticized the political landscape as being contested by a "dynasty of the North and dynasty of the South," marginalizing those opposed to political dynasties.

Addressing the youth and other sectors disillusioned with traditional politics, Espiritu questioned the narrative that only two forces dominate Philippine politics. He asserted that many Filipinos reject prominent dynasties and that a substantial segment of the population is seeking genuine change.

Espiritu attributed issues such as corruption, incompetence, and disrespect for the law to leaders emerging from political dynasties. 

He called for the support of leaders from mass movements who possess a genuine sense of the struggles faced by the impoverished. 

He highlighted the importance of this agenda for workers, farmers, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and the marginalized sectors of society.

Also present at the forum were other senatorial candidates: activist Liza Maza, labor lawyer Sonny Matula, community organizer Mimi Doringo, writer/activist Teddy Casiño, nurse Alyn Andamo, labor leader Jerome Adonis, and CPA and former COA commissioner Heidi Mendoza. 

Heidi Mendoza vs. corruption

Mendoza emphasized her commitment to combating government corruption, particularly the misuse of confidential funds and the national budget.

She highlighted her extensive experience, including prosecuting high-ranking officials and recovering significant public funds. 

“Dalawang mahalagang bagay ang kinakailangan sa tunay na paglaban sa korupsyon. Yung independence, integrity at competence. Itong tatlong bagay na ito wala sa karamihang senador. Masasabi ko yan ng buong lakas ng noob. At ang akin niya pong hamon, ay gama namang team kasamaan lang at team kadiliman at para bang tayo pa ang magpaparekrut sa kanila? Huwag naman ganon,” she said. 

“Kailangan tayo ang siyang mag-anyaya sa kanila. At lagi ko rin pong nababanggit, ang kabataan ang may-ari ng bukas. At kapag inabandon natin ang youth, we abandon the nation,” she added. 

President of the Makabayan Coalition Liza Maza, meanwhile, highlighted her extensive experience in advocating for women's rights and social justice. 

As a former congresswoman representing the Gabriela Women's Party, she was instrumental in the passage of significant legislation, including the Magna Carta of Women and the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act.

Maza expressed deep concern over the nation's current economic, political, and moral crises, highlighting the stark contrast between the affluent elite and the impoverished masses. She criticized the prevailing "rotten, corrupt, and oppressive politics" and stressed the need for comprehensive reforms to address systemic issues. — BM, GMA Integrated News

For more Eleksyon 2025 related content and updates, visit GMA News Online's Eleksyon 2025 microsite.