DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos (5th from left) leads the unveiling of the KNP pledge after the launch of the Kilusan ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino held Tuesday, July 20, 2022 at the Marquee Tent, Shangri la Hotel in Mandaluyong City. Photo from Kilusan ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino
MANILA, Philippines — A new group of lawmakers, current and former local government officials, and socio-civic groups have joined together to amplify President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call for unity.
Kilusan ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino (KNP), formally introduced to the public on Wednesday, aims to reject the “politics of division” and help champion the government’s development objectives.
Representatives Rida Robes of City of San Jose del Monte, Divina Grace Yu of Zamboanga del Sur, Luisa Lloren Cuaresma of Nueva Vizcaya, Richard Gomez of Leyte, Johnny Pimentel of Surigao del Sur, Toby Tiangco of Navotas, Rosanna Vergara of Nueva Ecija, and Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez are among the conveners of KNP.
The participants explained that the newly formed group is not a political alliance but rather a socio-civic movement that hopes to reach out to all sectors of society.
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“We are here to repair a house divided…to make it strong again in bayanihan way,” said Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr., who was the keynote speaker during the launch.
“Our coming together is our response to the President’s clarion call for unity. KNP is immediately formed to formalize that movement to solidify [our] platform for cohesive, inclusive and unified action for national economy and sustainable development.”
Robes further noted that KNP is their means of affirming their “unwavering and full support to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in his call to collectively work for a better Philippines for all Filipinos regardless of political conviction, religion, motivations and creed.”
Former Senate President Vicente Sotto III, Mandaluyong Mayor Benjamin Abalos, five governors, several lawmakers, city and town mayors, and leaders of different civic organizations also graced the launch of KNP.
Unity was the resonant campaign cry of Marcos’ successful presidential bid in the May 9 polls.
He was sworn into office last June 30, and is now set to deliver his first State of the Nation Address at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City on July 25.
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