The Future of the Philippine ‘Pink’ Movement

Leni Robredo lost the presidential elections, but Robredo and her supporters ignited a new brand of Philippine politics, politics based on volunteerism and people empowerment.

The recent Philippine elections were not just a match between the candidacy of Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr, son and namesake of the former Philippine dictator, and Leni Robredo, a human rights lawyer and current Vice President of the republic—it was also the deciding election of the country’s future brand of politics. 

Unfortunately, with the recent proclamation of the Congress and with less than a month left before Marcos’ inauguration, one thing has been cast into stone, the Marcoses who have been described as the “most corrupt dynasty” will be back in Malacanang. Despite the uncertainty a Marcos presidency holds, a bright future is still not out of sight because of the ‘pink’ revolution Robredo supporters have started.

In this election, we were able to witness many ‘firsts’ in the history of our country. This is the first campaign where celebrities are volunteers and not paid artists, the first campaign where volunteers are the ones shelling out money, the first campaign where the candidate is the one being gifted with merchandise of herself, the first campaign where money is not the center. (Emphasize on the word 'campaign' because the elections are still dependent on how much money the candidate has.

True to her brand of leadership, Robredo will never stop being a public servant. By the time her term ends, a non-governmental organization bearing the name of her campaign promise ‘Angat Buhay’ will be in the works. Opening this new organization is a great move to continuously harness the energy and power among her supporters. Eyeing as the “largest volunteer network” in the history of the country, Angat Buhay NGO will be a platform where Robredo will continue the works that she did during her stint in the Office of the Vice President.

Opening this new organization is a great move to continuously harness the energy and power among her supporters.

The plans for the organization remain vague but Robredo’s brand of leadership and advocacies were always clear—good governance, people empowerment, women’s rights and welfare, capacity-building for marginalized communities, and education among others. With many top-caliber professionals in different fields and active volunteers supporting her during the elections, it will not be difficult for Angat Buhay to deliver results.

However, a Marcos presidency will not treat this lightly, it is a possibility that all sorts of intimidation, harassment, and disinformation will be thrown at the organization to discourage people’s support and participation. A case in point, is the widespread misinformation on the meaning of ‘NGO’ as a ‘new’ government organization, alluding to Robredo’s ties with the militant group New People’s Army (which was repeatedly belied and debunked).

But with more than a million willing to travel and stand for several hours at a Robredo rally? One could just easily imagine how people will also resist and protect their constitutional rights.

I can only predict and imagine what the future will be for our country. It’s either we give up and surrender ourselves to the idea of a bad future or reimagine our role as citizens and be more engaged with socio-civic activities for the upliftment of our kababayans. 

‘Kakampinks’ with the grit that they gave this campaign, I am certain that they will not just easily give up but rather continue the friendship, bond, and energy, but now for a different and better cause—reaching the most vulnerable communities in the country.

As we welcome the new administration, let us not be discouraged but rather encouraged or perhaps challenged to be the light amidst darkness. 

Tayo ang liwanag, folks.