As the top two political dynasties will slug it out in the 2025 elections, the “third force of fierce love for country and people” is calling for an electoral revolt, urging voters to choose candidates who genuinely care for the nation and to reject those with vested interests.
“Kelangan na talaga natin lumaban dito sa panis na pamumuno at panis na mga namumuno sa pamahalaan. Kelangan na talaga hindi lamang ang simpleng kampanya kundi isang rebolusyon. At ang pangunahing nating sandata dito ay ang kapangyarihan nating bumoto, isang electoral revolution,” said former finance undersecretary Cielo Magno, a convenor of Phil Kita, in a press conference Monday.
(“We really need to fight this rotten leadership and leaders in government. We really need not just a simple campaign but a revolution. And our main weapon is our power to vote in an electoral revolution.”)
“Ang rebolusyon natin ay personal at pulitikal, ideolohikal at aktwal, sa balota at sa pag-uugali. At sisimulan nating muli ito sa halalan ng 2025. Kung ano ang iaalay natin, siya nating igigiit sa ating mga pinuno: katapatan, kakayahan, at kahandaang magsakripisyo para sa mas mabuting Pilipinas, para sa ating mga anak,” said the economics professor of the University of the Philippines-Diliman.
(“Our revolution is personal and political, ideological and actual, in the ballot and our behavior. We will start this again in the 2025 elections. What we offer we also demand from our leaders: integrity, competence, at the willingness to sacrifice for a better Philippines, for our children.”)
Atty. Gio Tingson, former chairperson and undersecretary of the National Youth Commission, said, “Kelangan natin ng rebolusyon. Kilusan na hindi laging galit, pwede rin namang masaya, pwede namang kultural, pwede namang nagmamahal (We need a revolution. A movement that is not always angry, that can be happy, that can be cultural, and can be loving).”
In a statement, Phil Kita said that electing the right leaders is essential in addressing the country’s pressing issues, including corruption, high prices, inadequate salaries, and lack of public transportation and health care services.
“May solusyon ang mga problema ng bayan. Ang totoong unity ay ang pagkakaisa ng taumbayan sa paghahanap ng solusyon sa mga problemang kinakaharap natin. Tama na ang bangayan. Solusyon naman ang ating pag-usapan at bigyan ng pansin. May option tayo at hindi lang sapat na we settle for the lesser evil,” said former National Food Authority (NFA) administrator Renan Dalisay, one of Phil Kita’s lead convenors.
“Ang eleksiyon gawin nating rebolusyon para sa pagbabagong panlipunan (We will make the election our revolution for a changed society),” said farmer Ireneo “Ka Rene” Cerilla, another Phil Kita co-convenor.
The group said it will only support candidates with proven track records, the ability to lead, and the willingness to sacrifice for a better Philippines and a brighter future for all Filipinos.
It also urged voters to reject candidates with records of corruption, those belonging to political dynasties, individuals with no meaningful accomplishments for Filipinos, and those who remain silent on vital issues such as the West Philippine Sea and the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
For the upcoming midterm polls, Phil Kita will focus on rekindling the spirit of volunteerism through contents on all social-media platforms and the use of art and music.
Ricky Toledo, who described himself as father, worker, and a Facebook influencer, said: “Lahat ng activities na pwede kong ipapanuod sa buong Pilipinas gagawin ko (All our activities I will post for the entire Philippines to see).”
Phil Kita said its advocacy will continue beyond the 2025 election, as it plans to work with old and new leaders in pushing for accountable and honest governance and engage in discussions about pressing matters affecting the country.
Digital creator and activist Mathilda Airlines thanked Phil Kita because “bilang isang content creator na political feeling ko nakakita ako ng kakampi (as a content creator of politics, I feel I’ve found my tribe).”
The group also plans to mentor new leaders and work with like-minded seasoned leaders who push for the interest of the Filipino people.
Another content creator, Ed Faraon, said: “I chose as a Gen Z to stand up for Phil Kita. Gusto ko ng isang gobyernong magiging empathetic sa mga concerns natin (I want a government that is empathetic to our concerns).”
