I wish to comment on Thomas Lovid’s letter “Casiño a leftist not a genuine nationalist” (Inquirer, 05/25/13).
In my letter, I expressed my admiration to the “Karaniwang Tao” ad of Teddy Casiño because of its straightforwardness and simplicity. I also declared my support for Casiño’s senatorial candidacy despite its lack of political machinery and what appeared to be “exclusivism” on the part of the mass media.
Lovid was wrong when he said that Casiño’s “background is hazy.” It only showed his aversion to activism. In fact, if there was one candidate with the most solid and clearest credential, it was no other than Casiño himself. From his background as a progressive student leader to his three-term representation of Bayan Muna in Congress, he exemplified his unquestionable devotion to nationalism.
Lovid must have confused himself when he distinguished leftists from nationalists. Yes, Casiño is a leftist. But is he a “real, genuine nationalist”? Absolutely, he is.
It should be noted that the late Sen. Lorenzo Tañada himself was a founding member of Bayan (Bagong Alyansang Makabayan), a nationalist alliance of “left-leaning” organizations.
By affirming that the Red-tagging on Casiño is “well-founded,” Lovid only places himself in the ranks of the Red-baiting military and oppressors who reject social change.
—DANIEL ALOC,
tierra.giya@yahoo.com