FORMER Interior and Local Government Secretary Rafael “Raffy” Alunan III defines the 2016 election as the year of the voter, not year of the candidate.

‘The voter must decide whether he wants new politics or more of the same politics,” Alunan, a senatorial candidate, told local reporters here yesterday.

He added, “It is media that would make him (voter) see that”. He said this is the role of the media.

Pinning his hope on media to fully educate voters, he said “we have a media that understand the essence of political exercise in 2016 that is between new politics and intense politics and that the people themselves must see that clearly to make the right decision”.

While other candidates spend hefty amount for their political ads, Alunan’s strategy to hopefully bring him to the senate is to personally appear before the sectoral groups, local leaders to know him better and present his platforms in his campaign, use the power of the technology like the social media, the tri-media and word of mouth.

ALUNAN

He said “every candidate is not running for himself, he is running in behalf of the people that should be the mindset”.

He said it was under then President Fidel Ramos that the Philippines had its glorious years when “good governance” was shown what it was all about.

Meanwhile, speaking on a national issue closest to his heart, Alunan said “the negligence (of government on the disputed South China Sea) is costing us a lot “.

Alunan told local reporters here Friday that based on what he learned from his friends in Europe, “the Philippines is like a rich bank without fence (as) anybody can just go there and steal”.

“Eh napapabayaan (It’s being neglected). We have not invested actually in our national security and national defense,” he said.

Alunan, said part of his legislative agenda is “to build a strong national defense and strong national security system or environment that protects the country, the people and the economy”.

He said what China targets is not the Philippines but the United States.

Alunan asserts the armed forces must be strengthened. “Kung ano yung threat, dapat yung counter-threat mo kapantay din,” he added.

“It’s not just about high-power but it has to do with will-power,” he added.

Alunan added that whether or not there is a China problem, “we need really to firm up our Navy and Army”.

“Every self-respecting nation has that. It doesn’t mean that we will go to war with a new Navy and stronger Air Force,” he added.

He said “this is for defense, not for offense”.

This is not only about the China Sea row “as there are many threats out there,” he added. (Tita Roces)

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