“That 15-minute statement was perhaps the most beautiful political speech in our recent history.”
A pink revolution is happening. Since Wednesday, the color pink has taken social media by storm. By Thursday, social media had turned into a sea of pink profile pictures, memes, and all kinds of posts in pink. This was because of posts asking people to use pink in anticipation of Vice-President Leni Robredo’s upcoming important announcement.
For many months, people have been clamoring for the VP to run for president in 2022 believing that the VP is the best candidate to go against the Dutertes, Marcoses, and other candidates perceived by people as their allies. The level of anticipation was very high especially because the period for filing Certificates of Candidacy had been ongoing and so far, those who have filed theirs were nowhere near the VP’s caliber.
Thus, virtually everyone was all ears to every word that VP Leni was saying when she was making her announcement. Her speech lasted for only 15 minutes, but it was loaded with what people needed to get inspired and hope again. Not a few, myself included, shed tears as she was speaking. I jumped and shouted with joy when she said, “Lalaban ako, lalaban tayo, inihahain ko ang sarili ko bilang kandidato sa pagka-presidente.” It was everything a lot of Filipinos were waiting for.
Her 15-minute talk to the nation was what people have been longing to hear from the PRESIDENT. It was succinct and direct but full of love of country and our people. VP Leni’s now famous line, “ang minamahal ay ipinaglalaban,” struck our very core. It has been a long time since we last felt secure in the words of someone in the administration. In fact, for the longest time, people have been asking if we even have a government since not a few have been feeling forsaken.
In 15 short minutes, VP Leni answered questions on why she was involved in talks with other possible presidential candidates then. She clearly said that she was ready to give way and support another but the agreement must be based on principles, not transactions for positions.
She was also even able to detail what her office, despite being marginalized by the Duterte administration, and the handicap of very little financial resources, was able to do a lot in addressing the various needs of people especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The VP was correct in saying, “imagine what we can do with more resources” because surely, her office would be able to do a lot more if she has more resources. WHEN she becomes president, then we will see a lot more programs for the Filipino people.
That 15-minute speech was perhaps the most beautiful political speech in our recent history.
People erupted in celebration upon knowing that we now can hope for better chances of recovery from this pandemic should we succeed in putting Leni in Malacañang. Surely, it will not be an easy fight but as the VP herself said, she is a veteran of difficult fights. Let us not forget that she came from the bottom when she ran as VP — and she won.
As the VP said, “lalaban TAYO!” The people will fight with her. We need to invest in her candidacy because we know that our bet does not have the financial resources of other candidates especially those allied with Duterte, and the Marcos money. Online, people have been asking how they can contribute to Leni’s campaign kitty. This is important not only for the campaign but also to ensure that her votes are guarded and no shenanigans will happen. Hopefully, her group will soon come up with information on how people can give their share.
There is also a lot of interest in volunteering for her campaign. Some friends have already done so, and a form is being circulated online for those who wish to give time, expertise, and effort. It will not be surprising if Leni’s will truly become an organic people’s campaign despite the pandemic.
This “pink revolution” will surely continue as evidenced by the excitement surrounding it. It’s funny how people turned to their wardrobes in search of pink clothing. Friends have started ordering pink shirts, blouses, and other pieces to use during the campaign. Online, you will find people asking where to purchase reasonably-priced pink shirts for the #PresidentLeni2022 campaign. This is something similar to the “yellow revolution” that propelled Cory Aquino to the presidency.
As repeatedly said, the next six years will be very hard. Recovering from this pandemic will not be a walk in the park especially with the recent ratings showing the Philippines as the last country in the world to recover from COVID-19.
The people have succeeded in the huge ask for VP Leni to run. The people now need to invest in her campaign with money, time, and effort. As she said, “Gisingin ang mga tulog pa.” The pink revolution should be able to bring her to Malacanang. Beyond this, the people must work with her to ensure that the country is able to get up, recover, and eventually move forward.
It will be a tough ride but the “pink revolution” should continue beyond the elections.
@bethangsioco on Twitter
Elizabeth Angsioco on Facebook