Labor leader and senatorial aspirant Atty. Luke Espiritu vowed to dismantle political dynasties in the country and continue fighting for the rights of Filipino workers once elected to the Senate.
In the Bakit Ikaw: The DZRH Job Interview on Wednesday, Espiritu noted that the political discourse in the country has been diminished by the influence of political dynasties, resulting in a scenario that has become both "absurd and laughable."
"Imbes na napag-uusapan ang talagang importanteng mga isyu na nakakaapekto sa karamihan ng ating naghihirap na mga kababayan, ang ginagawa nila sumasayaw sila ng budots," Espiritu explained.
He added that for a family to become a political dynasty, it must either be corrupt, engage in criminal behavior, or use fear tactics to control voters.
"Parati kong sinasabi na dalawa ang aking layon: political reform, basically pagwasak sa political dynasty, and of course all the other incidental measures para masagawa ‘yon," said Espiritu.
Furthermore, he emphasized the need for a justice agenda, stating that long-standing historical issues that remain unresolved must finally be addressed.
Advocating for workers' rights: Pushing for a fair wage increase
The litigation lawyer emphasized that ensuring a livable wage for the people is crucial, and the persistent issue of contractualization needs to be resolved.
He further vowed to eliminate manpower agencies in the country, which he claimed are a primary source of the exploitation of workers through contractualization.
Espiritu further expressed his intention to abolish the wage boards, believing they contribute to the widespread poverty faced by many Filipinos.
"Dapat magkaroon tayo ng national wage fixing mechanism, buwagin ang mga provincial rates," said Espiritu.
The senatorial aspirant believes that this initiative would help establish fair wages for all workers in the country.
Exploring measures to counter the rising prices of goods
The national candidate argued that the high cost of food can be attributed to the continued reliance on imports and the decline of local production.
"Ang kailangan nating gawin ay talagang palakasin ang local production by supporting our farmers. Have genuine agrarian reforms," he suggested.
He pointed out that the country appears to have moved away from an economy rooted in production, while the government has neglected farmers and the land that has long been beyond their reach.
Combating widespread corruption across the nation
Meanwhile, Espiritu pointed out that corruption in the Philippines is deeply ingrained in the system, making it an integral part of the political landscape.
He claimed that political dynasties are inherently linked to "systemic corruption", as these families must sustain their power by maintaining their position.
Espirito stated that families in power are compelled to treat public funds as their "private bank account," citing the 2025 national budget where funding for PhilHealth and the education sector was cut, while most of the funds were allocated to the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
"Pag inalis mo ang political dynasty na siyang source ng systemic type ng corruption [sa bansa], malaking bagay ‘yan sa pag-alis ng korapsyon," Espiritu suggested.
"Of course, may mga corruption na hindi naman systemic. ‘Yan ay pwede nang ilitis natin sa ilalim ng ating batas dahil ang batas natin ay kumpleto naman," he added.
He once again reiterated that political dynasties must be dismantled to put an end to corruption.
Addressing traffic congestion in major thoroughfares
Espiritu compared the Philippines to other modern cities around the world, highlighting the country's lack of a reliable and efficient mass public transportation system.
"Walang episyenteng mass public transportation system kaya nagiging car-centric ang mode of transportation natin kaya tayo nagkakatraffic," he added.
He argued that building flyovers or implementing traffic rules are not the solutions to traffic problems, as the most basic solution, which the country lacks, is a reliable transportation system.
Furthermore, he believes that such initiatives should be publicly financed, not handled by private companies, as their goal is to profit rather than serve the public.
Viewpoint on reclamation projects, same-sex marriage, and divorce
The aspirant claimed that reclamation projects are not truly intended to benefit the citizens, pointing out that the land being developed is primarily for profit generation rather than serving the public.
"Sinisira nila ang ating kalikasan – ang ating mga shoreline, palaisdaan, at ang masama pa diyan palalayasin nila ang ating mga maralita," he firmly stated.
Moreover, Espiritu expressed support for the passage of same-sex marriage in the country, stating that it is undeniable that human relationships are diverse, including those within the LGBTQ+ community.
He emphasized that individuals in the said sector should not be denied their rights and that they should not face discrimination simply because of their sexual identity or gender orientation.
"Ang kanilang relasyon, kahit hindi mo i-legislate ang same-sex marriage, ay isang fruitful, loving na relasyon," said Espiritu.
"Ngayon, hindi mo sila bibigyan ng basbas ng batas kahit sila ay umiiral? Nakapaunfair and discriminatory sa ating LGBTQ+ community na hindi kinikilala ng estado ang isang totoo at loving relationship na pwede ring bumuo ng mapagmahal na pamilya," he added.
At the same time, Espiritu also conveyed his support for the passing of divorce in the country, citing that the Philippines is not a paradise for women who suffer abuse from their husbands.
He further noted that many women in the country are not in relationships characterized by true love, fulfillment, or that complete their sense of self.
"Gusto ba ng Diyos ‘yan na binubugbog ang kababaihan, nira-rape, kino-control ang katawan, kino-control ang isip?" Espiritu questioned.
"Kapag ayaw mong makipag-diborsyo, okay naman free ka naman. Naniniwala ka na sagrado ang kasal, wala namang kokontra saiyo kung paniniwala mo ‘yan. Pero para doon sa wala sa loving relationship na nasa abusive relationship, para sa kanila ang divorce," he added.
Position regarding the impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte
He reaffirmed that Duterte must be impeached, underscoring the importance of having a clear record proving that we can hold corrupt individuals or officials accountable.
"Kasi sa Pilipinas, dahil wala tayong ganiyan, hindi natin masasabi na masama ang pandarambong," he added.
Moreover, he highlighted that accountability must be upheld for all, without any selectivity.
"Bakit ikaw?"
In conclusion, the President of the Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino called on the public to vote for individuals who are not affiliated with political dynasties and are active members of mass movements.
He claimed that individuals like them have been seasoned in leadership for several decades, and their platforms are not just words but are actively fought for.
