Despite the many challenges it is facing, Liberal Party of the Philippines' (LP) former chairperson and former vice president Leni Robredo is hopeful for the future of the party that once ruled the country.
"Despite the many, many hurdles before us, I remain hopeful," Robredo told the members of the LP in a video message during its national executive council (NECO) meeting on Friday, Sept. 30.
She said the NECO, where new sets of party officers were formally elected and declared, will set the party's path in the coming years.
She urged them to bank on the lessons they learned in the past, including the recent elections, to strengthen the once ruling party in the country while continuing with its fight to uphold democracy, and protect the rights and dignity of the Filipino people.
"As we aim to strengthen our ranks, we must keep faith in our shared values when expanding our circles of understanding and compassion. Hindi magiging madali ang muling pakikipag-ugnayan, ang patuloy na pag-unawa, ang pananatili sa laban pero tiwala ako na matatag hindi lang ang ating paninindigan, kung hindi ang ating pagmamahal sa bayan (The effort to reconnect, understanding, and stay in the fight will not be easy but I am confident that we have a strong resolve and love for the nation)," Robredo said.
"Sabi nga: sa kabila ng mga sugat, biyaya ang lahat. 'Wag natin sayangin ang pagkakataon na binibigay sa ating bagong simula (As they say: despite all the wounds, there is blessing. Let us not put to waste the opportunity to start anew)," she added.
The former vice president also said the LP is entering a new stage as a political party. She said the hurdles they faced as a party and the movement they were able to ignite during the campaigns must serve as a wake up call for them to continue the fight.
"Sa loob ng maikling panahon, dumami ang mga nakiisa. Marami sa ating mga nakasama, hindi natin kahanay noon. Marami sa kanila, tumaya sa unang pagkakataon. Lahat sila nakibahagi sa kolektibong pangarap para sa matino, mahusay, at may puso na pamamahala (In just a short period of time, many has joined us. Many of those who came were not allied before. Many of them took the risk for the first time. All of them became a part of a collective dream for a decent, good, and a government that has a heart)," Robredo said.
"Papunta na tayo sa bagong yugto bilang isang partido. Baunin sana natin ang inspirasyon at pag-asa ng mga nakaraang buwan sa pagharap sa mga hamon ng panahon (We are entering a new stage as a party. Let us carry with us the inspiration and hope from the previous months in facing future challenges)," she added.
"May mga katotohanan ay marahil mahirap tanggapin. Isa itong wake up call para sa atin, na bagamat pare pareho tayo nangangarap ng mas magandang buhay, ibang iba ang mukha na pamumuno na pinanghahawakan ng mas marami (There are truths that are perhaps hard to accept. This is a wake up call for us that despite our shared dreams for a better life, the kind of leadership that appeals to others is way different)," she went on.
"Papunta na tayo sa bagong yugto bilang isang partido"
Robredo says what happened in the past elections is a wake up call for the party as it moves forward to strengthen its ranks and to continue its fight for freedom, rights, and dignity of Filipinos. @manilabulletin pic.twitter.com/qQxMep5Hzo
— Betheena Unite (@MB_unite) September 30, 2022
The former LP chairperson also commended the party members for the resilience they displayed in the past years.
"It reflects the kind of public servants you are. Ones who are ready to rise to the moment, especially in the most difficult times," she said.
She lauded them for being able to withstand the tough fight they fought in the recent months, which was actually "full of hope and happiness."
Robredo was succeeded by former senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan, her running mate in the 2022 elections, as the party's chairperson.
Albay 1st District Rep. Edcel Lagman is the party's new president, succeeding Pangilinan.
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