On its 25th anniversary, Aksyon Demokratiko relives Raul Roco’s aspirations for party

Aksyon Demokratiko logo and founder, the late former senator Raul Roco. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Aksyon Demokratiko officials have reminded members about the values of its founder, the late former senator Raul Roco, as the political party vows to soldier on.

During its 25th anniversary celebration on Wednesday, party president and 2022 presidential candidate Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso urged members to continue Roco’s aspirations for the group — hence, Aksyon Demokratiko’s new slogan #TuloyAngLaban which literally translates to “continue the fight.”

“He (Moreno) also encouraged those present and all the party members to contribute in helping the country whether as incumbent officials or as citizens,” according to a statement from Aksyon Demokratiko.

“Isko acknowledged the many challenges the country is facing right now such as the highest inflation rate in 14 years and the prevailing high prices of petroleum products that both greatly impact the everyday lives of Filipinos.”

“It can be recalled that one of the platforms of government that Domagoso espoused during the previous elections was the reduction by half of all excise taxes that apply to petroleum products and electric bills,” the statement added.

Aksyon Demokratiko said Roco’s son, Bobbit, who was also present during the anniversary celebration, reminded members about his father’s agenda – HOPE, which stands for Honest Government, Opportunities for all, Peace, Productivity and Prosperity and Education and Environment for sustainable development.

The party claimed that it currently has 589 elected officials nationwide, including one congressman, one governor, and 49 mayors.

Roco, a son of a farmer and a public school teacher, was one of the more revered figures in Philippine politics. Hailing from Naga City in Camarines Sur, he occupied several government positions, representing his province’s second district.

Roco also served as a Senator of the country in several instances before being appointed education secretary. He joined the 2004 presidential race but lost to former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

In the 2022 presidential election, Moreno was an early favorite. But his popularity eventually crumpled as it became evident that former Vice President Leni Robredo was the opposition candidate. At the end of the run, the former Manila mayor ranked fourth behind now-President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Robredo, and former senator Manny Pacquiao, garnering less than 2 million votes.

READ: 2021: How the opposition broke down into separate teams

READ: Partial, unofficial: Bongbong Marcos leads over Isko Moreno in Manila

Aksyon Demokratiko then protected its stand – after Moreno defended former President Rodrigo Duterte – saying it is not an opposition party but a centrist political organization. With reports from Trisha Manalaysay, trainee

KGA