Kapatiran is ‘theocratic’? Some enlightenment

To quote Allan Espinosa in his letter, “More insidious than pork” (Opinion, 7/31/13), “…And the truth is Ang Kapatiran is a theocratic party,” I wonder what Espinosa meant by the term “theocratic.”

In the dictionary definition, theocratic means a system of government by priests (in the likes of Iran). Hence, to visualize the meaning of the term theocratic as referring to a political party organized to promote Catholic dogmas and perhaps Gospel values makes one needful of some enlightenment.

Firstly, Ang Kapatiran Party’s policies and “open-ended” platform are anchored on clear founding principles. Yes, these principles do reflect the Social Teachings of the Church, but they differ no less than the Universal Principles and Tenets of Social Justice—respect for life and dignity of the human person; call to family, community and participation; rights and responsibilities; preferential option for the poor; dignity of work and rights of workers; solidarity; subsidiarity; common good; care for God’s creation; peace and active nonviolence—a moral framework within which, Ang Kapatiran  believes, all issues in the political arena should be addressed. Its consequence is a standard to test public policy, party platform and postures of candidates for public office.

Second, Ang Kapatiran’s clear and specific legislative agenda makes it truly accountable to the voting public if and when that time of reckoning comes—for instance, the antidynasty act to end the perpetuation in power of a few; the freedom of information act to institutionalize transparency and accountability, and public participation in governance; the abolition of the corrupt-ridden pork barrel system; and a strict gun control law to address unabated criminality and the use of private armies. No other political party espouses this agenda.

Third, political parties should allow people to identify with a general approach to public questions, to organize, and to find strength in numbers; while voters should rely on party platforms to enunciate a political philosophy and clarify positions. We all need responsible and accountable political parties, where the organization is bigger than its members, not the other away around.

Ang Kapatiran challenges all to seek new pathways to reform our political culture and invites freedom-loving Filipinos to get involved in nation-building in a holistic way via reformed national political parties either as members or as candidates.

 —JAIME RANESES, member, Ang Kapatiran Party, [email protected]