Vice President Leni Robredo faces the media after announcing her tandem with Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan as her running mate in the 2022 national elections. Screengrab from Facebook / Vice President Leni Robredo
MANILA, Philippines — As Vice President Leni Robredo’s campaign kicks into high gear, her newly minted campaign manager, former Sen. Bam Aquino, called on her supporters to broaden their ranks, “starting from your own homes,” in a bid to sway undecided and swing voters.
In his very first campaign bulletin issued on Sunday, Aquino urged Robredo’s volunteers—dubbing themselves the “Kakampinks,” in reference to her campaign colors—to help launch a “true people’s campaign” that’s based not on research but on heeding the genuine concerns of the Filipino masses.
Aquino appears eager to build on their momentum since Thursday when Robredo finally declared herself a presidential candidate for the 2022 elections.
Her declaration triggered an outpouring of support and even a “pink-splosion” both online and offline as people rallied behind Robredo’s vision to break free from the “old and rotten brand of politics” that ailed the country.
“We saw that when we make a stand, other people will also stand behind us,” he said. “That if we, with full courage, desire change, other people will follow us.”
That being said, “We still need to reach out beyond our usual circles, but it’s clear to us now that we can start from a larger-than-expected base.”
Among others, he urged their volunteers to organize among themselves and to form groups who can help mobilize the campaign.
He also called on them to “go out, talk to more people and convince them” both online and offline, and to rectify fake news about Robredo’s true accomplishments as vice president.
Meanwhile, he refrained supporters not to engage in petty wars and to listen to all criticisms about Robredo’s campaign.
“We don’t have the strength of numbers yet,” Aquino admitted, possibly alluding to Robredo’s low survey ratings. “We still have a long way to go, a lot of doors to knock on, messages that will have to be sent.”
“But as history has taught us, no matter the size of your groups, as long as you are principled and ready to take a step forward, we can overcome all challenges,” he said. INQ