By Camille A. Aguinaldo, Reporter
SENATOR Risa N. Hontiveros-Baraquel on Thursday said the upcoming 2019 midterm polls would be a “fight against national amnesia” following the senatorial bid of former Senate president Juan F. Ponce Enrile and Ilocos Norte Governor Maria Imelda “Imee” R. Marcos.
“This is a battle to defend and save historical truth and the democratic gains of the EDSA people power revolution from people who have brazenly denied the atrocities committed during Ferdinand Marcos’ bloody Martial Law. This is against national amnesia,” she said in a statement.
She then appealed to voters to oppose historical revisionism and to never forget the years of human-rights violations and corruption that occurred during Mr. Marcos’s martial-law regime, which Mr. Enrile served as its administrator. He later bolted the Marcos camp in a dramatic four-day uprising that led to the dictator’s ouster in 1986.
Asked about the chances of the opposition’s senatorial candidates in the elections, Ms. Baraquel acknowledged that this would be a “challenge” but noted that the candidates were ready to fight. She added that despite the President’s high satisfaction ratings, his figures have been declining across socioeconomic classes.
“Yes, it’s a very challenging situation now but the opposition has a strong appetite in the elections, just like how we continue to fight for trying to fiscalize the President through constructive criticism and providing alternatives amid the high prices crisis facing our citizens,” she said in a mix of English and Filipino during the Kapihan sa Senado forum.
The Opposisyon Koalisyon of the Liberal Party has fielded Magdalo party-list Rep. Gary C. Alejano, Senator Paolo Benigno A. Aquino IV, De La Salle University law dean Jose Manuel “Chel” I. Diokno, former Bangsamoro Transition Commission member Samira Gutoc, former Solicitor General Florin T. Hilbay, election lawyer Romulo Macalintal, former Interior Secretary Manuel A. Roxas II, and Quezon City Rep. Lorenzo “Erin” R. Tanada in its senatorial slate.
The senator also said the minority will continue to push for an anti-political dynasty law since this has been the Constitution’s directive to Congress for the past 30 years. In response to inquiries on her view regarding the Cayetanos, Binays and Dutertes seeking various positions in elective offices, she cited the study of Ateneo School of Government dean Ronald U. Mendoza wherein issues of conflict of interest and poverty incidence were more prevalent in areas with dynasties or with many family members holding positions simultaneously.
“In fat dynasties, it cannot be avoided that the democratic process of elections is captured. This is because there is no level-playing field for those who can contest the position and power,” Ms. Baraquel said.

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