Believing the country is at a pivotal moment, senatorial aspirant Chel Diokno on Monday, Feb. 14, told Filipinos to express their affection for the country because it needs the people’s love more than ever.

“Ngayong Valentine’s Day, isama natin sa pagmamahal ang ating Inang Bayan (In celebration of Valentine’s Day today, let us include loving our country),” he said in his Valentine’s Day message.
Diokno, who is running for senator under Vice President Leni Robredo’s slate, quoted national Andres Bonifacio to send his message across.
“Ika nga ni Gat. Andres (Bonifacio), aling pag-ibig pa ang hihigit kaya...sa pag-ibig sa tinubuang lupa (Like what Gat. Andres said, what love can be greater than...love of country)?,” he added.
With the upcoming May elections, Diokno said Filipinos can show their love by choosing qualified candidates who have genuine love for the country.
“At this pivotal point in our history, our nation needs our love,” the senatorial candidate stressed.
As part of his platform, Diokno plans to establish access to free legal assistance in every barrio to provide ordinary citizens with immediate access to legal help.
READ: 'Free legal aid in every barrio to give citizens access to justice system' — Diokno
The human rights lawyer established a Free Legal Helpdesk on his Facebook page that extended legal aid to almost 20,000 Filipinos during the pandemic.
He also committed to strengthen the country’s barangay justice system by strengthening the capability of the Lupong Tagapamayapa in dealing with legal issues among residents.