Kris told: Stay away from politics

MANILA, Philippines - Should presidential sister and talk show host Kris Aquino pursue a political career?

An official of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) yesterday said she should not for the sake of delicadeza.

Reacting to reports that the 42-year-old celebrity was contemplating on running for governor of Tarlac in 2016, CBCP-Episcopal Commission on Family and Life executive secretary Fr. Melvin Castro said that while he does not intend to judge the capability of Aquino, he believes that she should continue to stay away from politics to keep the integrity of her family name.

“Without prejudging her intentions and capability, however, I do believe simple delicadeza dictates that the family carrying the surname that was catapulted into power by a political revolution should set an example of not perpetuating themselves in power,” said Castro, who coincidentally belongs to the Diocese of Tarlac.

“The Aquinos should be the first ones not to create a political dynasty,” he added.

The assassination of Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr. in August 1983 prompted his wife Corazon to run for president in the 1986 snap elections against then incumbent President Ferdinand Marcos.

The reported tampering of election results by the Marcos camp triggered the people power revolution in February 1986 that forced Marcos to abdicate the presidency.

After 24 years, Corazon’s only son was also elected president after serving for three years as senator.

Meanwhile, Castro will preside over a Mass in Intramuros, Manila Monday evening for peaceful and successful elections on May 13.