Journey to Malacañang not easy, Roxas tells ‘Daang Matuwid’ ‘soldiers’

Liberal party presidential and vice presidential candidate Mar Roxas and Leni Robredo during the kick-off proclamation rally held at the Capiz Gymnasium, Roxas City. RAFFY LERMA

ILOILO CITY- Liberal Party standard-bearer Mar Roxas knows it wouldn’t be an easy journey to Malacañang.

As if just conversing with a friend, Roxas told at least 10,000 supporters inside the Capiz Gymnasium that it’s because of certain people who will do everything just to make themselves richer and more powerful.

“Gagawin nila ang lahat. Lahat ng paraan gagamitin nila kasama na mga black propaganda, kasama na mga pagsisinungaling, kasama na ang panloloko para paghiwalayin tayo para sirain ang ating tiwala sa isa’t isa,” said Roxas.

But as the former Interior secretary would always say, fighting for what’s right is not like a walk in the park.

Roxas maintained that he, along with the followers of Daang Matuwid, will not back down from the “abusive, the cheaters, and the corrupt.”

“This is a fight worth fighting. Hindi tayo magpapatalo sa mga abusado, sa mga manloloko, at higit sa lahat, hindi tayo magpapatalo sa mga magnanakaw,” he said.

Roxas called the supporters “Daang Matuwid” soldiers and their yellow shirts are their uniforms.

“Tayo ang sundalo ng Daang Matuwid. Dilaw ang kulay ng ating prinsipyo. Dilaw ang kulay ng ating paninindigan, at dilaw ang kulay ng ating tagumpay,” he told the jovial crowd.

Iloilo visit 

After his speech, the candidates prepared for a 114-kilometer motorcade from Roxas City to Iloilo Province.

In Passi City, Iloilo, Roxas, LP vice presidential bet Leni Robredo had a quick stopover.

With his wife Korina Sanchez and son Paolo Roxas, the presidential aspirant shook hands and took photos with the residents there.

Speaking in Hiligaynon, Roxas then asked for a mic, stood on a plant box, and called his wife to come up on “stage.”

Later, he called Robredo and introduced her to Passi residents.

After the tandem’s brief message, Roxas told reporters he was moved by the warm welcome he has been receiving since his visit in Capiz.

“Nakaka-touch makita ang ating mga kababayan sa Iloilo at Capiz at ang all out na pagsuporta nila. Ito naman hindi ko tinitignan na ego trip o pangsarili, parang pagtaas ng banko kung hindi sagradong obligasyon ito na ipaglaban ang kanilang mga pangarap,” he told reporters in an ambush interview.

The motorcade then proceeded to the Freedom Park in Iloilo City where thousands of supporters, all in yellow shirts, welcomed them.

Like in the morning program, President Aquino also addressed the audience to show his support for Roxas and Robredo.

He urged the Ilonggo voters to choose the right tandem to lead the next administration.