MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Leni Robredo called on members of the Liberal Party (LP) to persevere in the face of many obstacles while engaging the public in discussions about the hopes and visions of the Filipinos for the future.
In her keynote message for LP’s 75th anniversary on Tuesday, January 19, Robredo emphasized the two meanings behind the theme “Tuloy Lang” — a Tagalog word that translates to perseverance or keep going, depending on its usage.
According to the Vice President, both meanings should guide LP members to continue standing up for what they believe in despite threats and attacks and to tirelessly hear stories and welcome more people into the fold.
“Tuloy lang, ibig sabihin: Persist. Tuloy lang sa paninindigan, tuloy lang sa pagpapalawak ng saklaw ng malasakit, huwag panghihinaan ng loob. The attacks might continue, the threats might become even more forbidable, but we must find strength in the fact that our every effort takes us a step closer to our vision,” Robredo said.
“Gustong-gusto ko rin ‘yung pangalawang ibig sabihin ng ‘tuloy lang’ — ibig sabihin, halika, pasok kayo, welcome kayo dito. May warmth, may openness,” she added.
(I also really like ‘the second meaning of‘ continue ’- that is, come, come in, welcome here. There is warmth; there is openness.)
Robredo, who is LP’s party chairperson, further said that their marching orders stay the same: to welcome more members who share the same ideals and continue helping each other while adhering to the safety standards placed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Isa ako sa mga sobrang natuwa nung pinangunahan nina Sen Kiko at iba nating mga leaders ‘yung pagbubukas ng membership ng LP sa non-politicians noong 2017, at ‘yung Project Makinig noong 2019 elections. Kasi ganito talaga dapat ang isang partido: Hindi lang para sa mga pulitiko, hindi lang para sa mga gustong tumakbo; espasyo siya para makilahok ang bawat mamamayan,” she noted.
(I was one of those who was overjoyed when Sen. Kiko and our other leaders led the opening of the LP membership to non-politicians in 2017, and the Project Listen in the 2019 elections. Because this is exactly what a party should be like: Not just for politicians, not just for those who want to run; he is a space for every citizen to participate.)
“Kaya nga ang marching orders namin: Tuloy lang. Tuloy lang sa pagpapalawak ng hanay, tuloy lang sa pagpapatalas ng organisasyon, tuloy lang sa pagbabayanihan. Alam kong kayo mismong mga members na nasa communities, nagpapakita ng creativity at malinaw na initiative sa pagkilos ayon sa mga batayang prinsipyo at strategic direction natin,” she added.
(Thus, our marching orders: Just keep going. Just keep expanding the range, keep on sharpening the organization, keep on being heroic. I know you are the members who are in the communities, showing creativity and clear initiative in acting according to our basic principles and strategic direction.)
LP is one of the political parties opposed to the administration’s policies. Some of its members include Senators Francis Pangilinan and Franklin Drilon, being the staunchest critics of President Rodrigo Duterte’s government.
It used to be the ruling party under the administration of former president Benigno Aquino III, also an LP member. However, it was reduced to a minority after many of its members jumped to President Duterte’s PDP-Laban after the 2016 elections.
Though Robredo has joined the Cabinet of Duterte on many occasions, she has also issued criticisms of the government that eventually drew the President’s ire.
In recent years, LP has acquired a negative connotation after administration supporters labeled its members as “dilawan” (yellow) in relation to the party’s color theme.
They were also linked to ouster plots against Duterte by administration officials, but no credible proof was provided to back up the allegations.
READ: Robredo says she’s not involved in Duterte ouster calls
READ: Robredo says she believes Duterte knows she’s not part of ouster plots
Despite the hardship, Robredo said party leaders would stay with them, join them in the same way, along with the other LP officials.
“Matayog ang mga pangarap natin para sa bansa, kaya marami pa tayong kailangang gawin. Sa bawat pagkilos, tandaan ninyo: Kasama ako at ang buong liderato ng Partido. Kaya sige lang, mga kasama, padayon tayo sa paglalakbay natin. Tuloy lang,” Robredo assured.
(Our dreams for the country are foremost, so we still have a lot to do. In every action, remember: I am with the whole Party leadership. So go ahead, partymates, let’s continue our journey. Just keep going.)
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