By Atty. Howie Calleja
Over the weekend a back-to-back SHOW OF FORCE was witnessed by many when an estimated 47,000 supporters welcomed presidential candidate Vice President Leni Robredo and her team at the grand rally at the General Trias Sports Park in Cavite last March 4; while roads in the capital city of Bulacan province were locked in a traffic gridlock for hours on March 5, as an estimated crowd of 45,000 people trooped to the open ground of the Malolos City Hall for the grand rally VP Leni and her running mate, Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan.
Like in a military exercise, a SHOW OF FORCE is intended to demonstrate and to showcase to one’s opponent one’s own capability or will to act if provoked — Yes, the KAKAMPINKS has demonstrated as a people’s movement the capacity to mobilize and support for a cause the presidency of leader that would finally brings us out of a rotten system disguised as a call to unity.
We saw that nothing will stop the volunteers from supporting, joining, campaigning and rallying for VP Leni. What started with shared meager resources (with no big business, no cronies, no administration money and no political machinery) is now evolving to a people’s movement and campaign. Truly, the Marcos-Duterte tandem with this administration’s funds from ill-gotten wealth money has a well-oiled political machinery but our people’s movement is an equally formidable force for it has the gravitas of a true public servant in the persona of VP Leni behind its mobilization efforts.
One month into the campaign, we saw allegation of vote-buying and the traditional “hakot” system to which we would see “trapo” politicians using this administration’s machinery for the GUNS, GOONS and GOLD necessary to woo and/or terrorize the electorate to join their sorties. But the people have spoken with more and more cheers for VP Leni. And as these chants get louder and louder the people’s bravely grows stronger and stronger as they campaign on their own everyday within their own circles of influence. The volunteers are the unsung heroes of this crucial campaign battle.
Not to be outdone are the celebrity artists and entertainers who would join and use their popularity and influence in support for a cause that would benefit our motherland and the common good vis-à-vis the millions of pesos from potential income in performing for candidates with the abundance of funds. Giving for free their time, treasure and talent for VP Leni is a noteworthy gesture.
It’s not about the “20-pieces of silver” you receive today but it’s about the truth, integrity and future of the country that is at stake. As Filipinos, we should stand up for what is right. Obviously, VP Leni’s people-initiated rallies are a living testimony that more and more of our compatriots are now refusing to stand in stage with liars, cheaters and convicts; and it is badge of honor to perform free to a cheering and loving crowd — bearing witness to natural tears running through our eyes each and every campaign rally as a visible expression of hope.
Let me just add, that during the Cavite Grand Rally we saw how VP Leni amidst the traffic brought about by the influx of people joining and the various road works and detours manage to arrive via an “angkas ride” with Sherwin Abdon as her unsuspecting rider — it was a display of the resourcefulness, commitment and down-to-earth personality of the VP just to be on time to partake in these festivities.
In Cavite and Bulacan, we saw that no matter what obstacles may come ahead VP Leni will always make it a point to be there to lead. It may be a tough challenge but backing out is for her never an option, she will always stand-by her “kababayans” no matter what — and it is our SHOW OF FORCE that would demonstrate our appreciation for VP Leni’s commitment. I call upon the 110 million Filipinos of which 65 million are registered voters to rise and stand with VP Leni, “at sa May 9, IPANALO natin ito! Angkas na Pilipinas!”
