Should ex-military and police officers be in politics?
LINGAYEN—The question again begs an answer in the light of more prominent former army and police generals and militant personalities joining the political fray in 2010.
“Joining politics is a right of every citizen in a democracy,” was the quick retort from Leopoldo Bataoil, a retired police director running for congressman of the 2nd District of Pangasinan under the Lakas-Kampi-CMD party – Biskeg na Pangasinan banner, to criticisms were hurled by Bayan Muna’s Rep. Satur Ocampo and Gabriela’s Rep. Liza Masa, both known to be left-leaning and running for senate seats.
“Understandably, they are against their nemesis, not only in this election but in many undertakings,” said Bataoil, former spokesman of the Philippine National Police and former chief of the National Capital Region Police Office.
Bataoil said the performance of former military and police commanders who have since become elected officials are a testimony to their training and orientation for public service.
“They have become an “inspiring note for others,” he said.
He cited incumbent officials in Pangasinan, including Governor Amado Espino Jr., and Mayors Reynaldo Velasco (Sta. Barbara), Marcelo Navarro Jr. (Bani) and Ricardo Revita (Rosales).
He added the military and the police have preserved the stability of the country against communist insurgency.
Former Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Hermogenes Esperon Jr., who is also eyeing a congressional seat in the 6th District of Pangasinan, echoed Bataoil’s position saying the two congressmen who are questioning his motive for running for public office “reveals their lack of faith and respect for elections and the democratic way of life”.
He had a harsher view of the two senatorial candidates.
“They (Ocampo and Maza) are they are now participating in elections because it is part of their grand plan to impose autocratic rule on Filipinos. It is all part of their armed revolution to gain power,” Esperon added. .#
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