Luke Espiritu: Kabadingan o Kalayaan

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He posted in FB: Accountability relates not only to the care of public funds. Being accountable also means being made answerable for one's political stances. This is the foundation of a healthy democracy. No politician should be immune to criticism — even from one's own supporters, especially from marginalized groups.

In the same vein, to reduce calls for accountability to divisiveness falls into the playbook of personality politics. As alternatives to traditional politics, we must listen to those who show us their wounds and move towards better conditions, where we can address historical harm. This is not divisiveness, but a challenge to deepen our collective understanding of what we fight for.

At this time, candidates are meant to proffer up their platforms, agendas, and values in order for voters to arrive at informed decisions, ones that resonate with their own principles and needs, as is their democratic right. The campaign period is a testing ground for how well the government will listen to the governed.

Given recent events, I reiterate my long-held stance, which is that we must listen to the LGBTQIA+ community, and fight alongside them for the rights they have always deserved. We cannot simply instrumentalize the oppressed for their votes without mentioning a word about their oppression, or, worse, but ask them to relegate their oppression to the backseat in favor of "more important" causes. To listen to the oppressed is both the minimum requirement and the first, vital step in the long, difficult process of building solidarity.

I believe that we must embrace critical voters that hold candidates accountable in the interest of furthering the fight for queer rights, which, at its core, is a fight for people to live and love freely, with dignity and without fear of systemic violence and harm. In pursuit of a robust democracy, we must behave as though it already exists. Once a sector expresses its concerns, it is our civic duty to stand in solidarity.

The cause of the queer community has been left to the wayside for too long, but their struggles are connected with all the struggles of every basic sector and our collective causes, including anti-corruption. It is time we stand firmly with them, and without compromise.

Para sa akin, ang tunay na pagmamahal ay nakadugtong sa aktibong pakikilahok sa pagbabago ng mga institusyong hindi pantay para sa lahat.

Let us continue to work together to actively shape institutions that are genuine in respecting, accepting, and celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community– a major, powerful force in our country that has always been at the frontlines of our historical struggles. Let us struggle together against Kadiliman and Kasamaan. Throughout history, the queer community has shown that we can work together, yet demand better. It is time that we look to them for guidance.

I continue to recognize other non-trapo candidates as allies in the fight for a better country, and still encourage voters to vote for them. However, it is our collective duty to elevate their politics. As such, I challenge my fellow non-trapo candidates to stand for the rights and dignity of those in the queer community. We must do better.

As much as being anti-corruption is the baseline for any good candidate, so too must be recognizing the inherent and inalienable right of each individual to equality under the law.

Thoughts? 🫠

The struggle continues!