MANILA, Philippines — A political party of young local officials and public servants on Monday formally endorsed Vice President Leni Robredo and her running mate, Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, as their bets for the country’s top two posts, joining the growing list of groups who vouched for Robredo’s track record and vision as a presidential aspirant.
In a virtual event hosted on Facebook, the 800-strong Katipunan ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino (KANP), which counts among its members senatorial aspirant and human rights lawyer Chel Diokno, attested to Robredo’s leadership and vowed to support their campaign.
“Today more than ever, our country needs a leader that has both national consciousness and a [nation’s] conscience. Leaders whose strength comes from within and above. Leaders who value truth and justice. Leaders who respect the life and dignity of every person. Leaders who follow a path with heart,” Diokno said during the event.
Kerby Javier Salazar, Cavite Board Member and KANP president, said the group “unanimously” chose the lone opposition bet even before she had formally announced her candidacy on Oct. 7.
“[This means] we see only one person who can lift us from our present condition. There is only one leader who can lift the lives of every Filipino … she is the president the Philippines truly deserves,” he said.
Among others, the party endorsed Robredo because of her clear stance on human rights and human dignity. As a political party composed mostly of young millennials who are also in the government, the party believes Robredo’s leadership can energize the youth to partake in governance.
The party also endorsed senatorial aspirant and former Ifugao Rep. Teddy Baguilat. It’s unclear why they did not endorse Robredo’s full slate. INQ