Alliances

As far as it is concerned, local political party Bakud of the Cebu fifth district does not need a national party to back its candidates up in the midterm elections next year. Its president, Representative Ramon “Red” Durano VI, said they welcome big political figures although their endorsements are not necessarily needed.

Durano may have been right. His party has been the dominant force in the fifth district for decades. In fact, his family continues to tighten its grip on Danao City and the district’s congressional seat.

But to say they do not need outside help to continue its dominance is something that Durano should not have uttered. In politics, party alliances have always been the name of the game. And that game should even include endorsements from important figures.

Bakud, the local party that Durano heads, even makes alliances. Recently, it signed an alliance with a major national party, the Nationalist People’s Coalition. Durano even counts as an ally Hugpong ng Pagbabago, a regional political party of presidential daughter and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte Carpio.

Well, the two main reasons why local parties enter alliances with national parties are the need to gain more influence and, of course, financial support. Yes, influence is very important since it serves as magnet for votes.

For instance, an alliance with the administration’s political party will surely add prestige and bring more clout to the local party, especially when the president comes over and endorses the latter’s candidates.

And then there’s the financial support, a very important lifeline for a local party. We have to admit that forging ties with a national party is vital to a local party’s existence since it is not uncommon for the former to utilize its financial machinery for the latter to carry its candidates.

Bakud may have a substantial war chest enough to push its candidates to victory in the May elections. However, alliances with major political parties will always play a crucial role in its survival.