Driven to change Philippine politics at the grassroots level, presidential aspirant Leodegario “Ka Leody” Quitain de Guzman said he would narrow the widening gap between poor and rich Filipinos by improving the country’s labor sector. 

Long-time labor activist Ka Leody presented his platforms and position on various issues on the fourth installment of CANDID DATES 2022 last February 26. 

Witnessing the extreme economic inequality of Filipino workers for many years, Ka Leody underscores the prevalence of traditional politicians as the cause. 

“Marami na tayong napagbigyan at naihalal pero pagkatapos ng eleksyon ay kinakalimutan ang mga problemang pinangako nilang re-resolbahin. Nagpatuloy lamang yung dating patakaran na paglingkuran yung mga mayayaman sa ating bayan; tayong nasa baba ay patuloy na naghihirap,” Ka Leody said. 

“Ang aking patakaran ay unahin ang tao bago ang mga bilyonaryo. Yung mga mamamayan, hindi yung iilan. Gawin natin ang bansang ito ay bansa ng mamamayan at hindi ng mga mayayaman,” he added.

Under his presidency, Ka Leody expressed that he would reorient the country’s economy by improving the labor sector and empowering Filipino workers.

His labor-centered advocacy includes the deprivatization of service industries and local manufacturers to provide job opportunities to Filipinos.

In line with his people-first government, Ka Leody also aims to eradicate traditional politicians and political dynasties in the government to secure public funds intended for the people’s welfare. 

“Wag na natin papasukin yung mga trapo, yung may mga kaso ng pagnanakaw dahil ang intensyon lang naman nila ay magnakaw sa gobyerno kaya nauubos ang ating pera kaya lagyan na natin ng enabling law ang ating konstitusyon against political dynasties,” Ka Leody said. 

When asked about his foreign policy regarding the effects of the Ukraine-Russian war on the country, Ka Leody said he would push for a “non-aligned government” that cuts alliances with superpower countries inclined to war and invasion. 

“Sa halip na makipagkasundo sa mga bansang may utak gerero, makipagkasundo nalang tayo sa mga bansa na nananawagan ng pagkakaisa, kapayapaan, pagtutulungan. At kung ano mang gyera, dapat gyera laban sa kagutoman sa buong mundo o gyera laban sa klima⁠—doon nalang natin ituon ang ating effort at enerhiya sa paglaban,” Ka Leody explained.  

During the 5Es Q&A portion, Ka Leody remains firm in ensuring that the “Filipino masses” are at the forefront of service and opportunity from the government. 

“Hindi sapat na palitan ang mukha ng pangulo sa Malacañang. Ang kinakailangan natin ay plataporma na magrerecognize sa paghihirap ng mamamayan at sa pagkakapal ng yaman ng iilan,” the labor leader concluded the interview. 

Ka Leody, running under Partido Lakas ng Masa (PLM), anticipates votes from common Filipinos—such as workers and farmers—despite lagging in surveys. 
Viewers can stream this installment of CANDID DATES 2022 featuring Ka Leody de Guzman via AdDU’s Official Facebook Page.