Presidential aspirant Vice President Leni Robredo on Tuesday, Nov. 16, acknowledged how the political climate in the country during the past few years has torn apart friends and family members alike, with many of them cutting ties with each other over opposing political beliefs.
in this regard, she challenged her "kakampinks"--the term used to refer to her supporters and volunteers--to reach out to these people in their lives and patch things up with them despite their differences.
“Anuman ang dahilan, hindi maikakaila: Nagkasakitan tayo. Nasaan panig ka man, gaano man kasigurado sa paninindigan mo, may nakasakit ng kapwa (Whatever the reason, we cannot deny: We hurt each other. No matter what side you are from, no matter how sure you are of your conviction, your fellowmen got hurt),” Robredo said in a video message posted on Facebook.
“Panahon na. Tayo na ang magsimula. Lumapit sa mga nakaalitan. Kung may makita sa social media na hindi naaayon sa mga pinaniniwalaan natin, magpaliwanag ng mahinahon at may respeto. Magpakumbaba...Hilumin ang mga sugat (It is time. Let us start. Reach out to those you fought against. If you saw something on social media that does not align with our beliefs, explain calmly and with respect. Be humble...Heal the wounds),” she added.
Robredo reminded her supporters that despite having different political beliefs, their fellowmen shouldn't be treated as the enemy because everyone is going through tough times and wants the same thing for the country.
“Iisa ang mga pangarap natin at iisa ang landas tungo rito. Matino, makatao, at mapagmahal na pamamahala (We have one dream and there is one path to it. Decent, humane, and loving governance),” she stressed.
READ: Robredo rallies ‘kakampinks’ anew: ‘I depend on you to help one another
While admitting that it won’t be easy to reach out, this is what “radical love” means to the Vice President.
“Ito mismo ang diwa ng paglaban. Miyerkules na ulit bukas. Pwede na nating gawin ito, habang suot ang pink na kulay ng pinapangarap nating bukas (This is the essence of this fight. Tomorrow is Wednesday again. We can do this while wearing pink, which is the color of the future we are hoping for),” she said.
Every Wednesday, Robredo’s supporters wear pink to raise awareness about her campaign. But also every Tuesday, the Vice President herself issues a challenge to her kakampinks.
This time, she acknowledged how friends and families have ended up hurting each other due to politics.
She said experts believe that such strategy is implemented by “forces” that want to divide the nation. This is because it is easier to push for their personal agenda while Filipinos are busy bickering with each other.