Emerald Avenue in Pasig sparkled in a swathe of pink as an estimated 130,000 people welcomed Vice President Leni Robredo back to Metro Manila after four days of people’s rallies across Mindanao.
“Malayo pa kami, ramdam na ramdam ko nang halos yumayanig ang sahig dahil sa inyong energy (We were still far from the venue, but already felt the ground shaking because of your energy,”) Robredo said to thunderous cheers from the audience.
Families and groups of friends had gathered since the early morning of Sunday, braving the midday heat to stake their spots at the event dubbed “PasigLaban.”
Looking at the long stretch of Emerald Avenue filled with people, Robredo said that hope is at the heart of the people’s campaign; and that each one brings hope to one another.
“Malinaw na malinaw po sa akin ngayon: Pag-asa ang puso ng ating People’s Campaign. Pag-asang dala hindi ng kandidatong nakatungtong sa entablado, pero pag-asa ng kapwa Pilipinong nakikilakad kapag hinaharang sa kalsada, nakikipintura ng mural na binura, nakiki-repack ng ayuda para sa mga nasalanta. Dito po sa Pasig, ngayon, tignan niyo ang inyong mga katabi; damhin ang pag-asang hatid ninyo sa isa’t isa (It is very clear. Hope is at the heart of our People’s Campaign. We bring hope to Filipinos while we walk with you on the streets, while we help restore murals, while we pack goods to victims of disasters. Look around and feel the hope coming from your countrymen,” she said.
Robredo also said hope is the root of true unity, and that Filipinos can rest assured that they will have someone to turn to during difficult times.
“Pagkakaisa, hindi lang ng politiko sa politiko para sa pansariling interes, kundi ng Pilipino sa kapwa Pilipinong lumalaban dahil iisa lang ang ipinapakipaglaban (Unity, not just in politics, but in helping your fellow Filipino),” she added.
Robredo’s spokesperson said an estimated 130,000 attended the people’s rally.
Sixty- seven year old Amerigo Dela Paz went to the rally with his daughter, Karra. They carried a cart filled with pink pandesal to give to fellow supporters for free. “It’s very inspiring, and people are so passionate. They move on their own. They willingly spend their time, their energy, their resources. All of these are donations. People have been so supportive of each other all for putting the right leader for government,” Karra said.
For Amerigo, his presence in the rally reminded him of the four days in 1986, when he joined fellow Filipinos in fighting for democracy in the People Power Revolution.
A 50-year-old woman who declined to give her name also said that the people’s rally was reminiscent of People Power. She joined PasigLaban to be counted because she believes in what Robredo, Pangilinan, and the TroPang Angat are fighting for.
Robredo vowed that should she be elected President, her administration would ensure that jobs would be available, healthcare would be accessible, transportation would be reliable, and housing and infrastructure would serve families.
With 50 days to go before May 9, Robredo once again called on the people to support her in her quest for an honest government.
Robredo exhorted everyone to head out of their homes and knock on people’s doors, to go out and share the story of hope.
Robredo also urged her supporters to smile when talking to others and to understand other people’s histories as they campaign for her.
Robredo is also gaining support from abroad. A Hawaii -based media influencer, Bretman Rock, meanwhile is supporting Robredo’s presidential bid In his Instagram post, he lauded Robredo’s final statement during a recent presidential debate that “the best man for the job is a woman.”
American pop superstar Ariana Grande has reposted on her Instagram a video of a huge crowd during Robredo’s campaign IN Pasig. “I could not believe this was real. I love you more than words,” her caption read.
Robredo’s running mate, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan meanwhile said they will stop syndicates behind the importation and smuggling of agriculture products that are killing the Filipino farmers and fisherfolk. With Rio N. Araja