Malaya Movement Endorses Leni Robredo and Kiko Pangilinan
The past six years under Rodrigo Duterte has caused so much suffering and misery to the Filipino people. Human rights, democracy and sovereignty have been constantly attacked and drastically eroded.
This coming May 2022 Philippine General Elections, the heirs of two political dynasties, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Sara Duterte are running for the president and vice president. They are backed by some of the most corrupt politicians, political clans and parties in the Philippines.
While we recognize the limitations of Philippine elections as a means for change, we understand that the upcoming elections will be a key arena of struggle. This is an opportunity to bring an end to the tyrannical rule of Duterte, prevent the return of the Marcoses to power, and advance human rights, democracy and sovereignty in the Philippines.
In pursuance of our mission and based on this agenda, we, the Malaya Movement, and our allies declare our support for the candidacy VP Leni Robredo and Sen. Francis Kiko Pangilinan for president and vice-president of the Philippine Republic. These candidates have the most alignment with our mission and as outlined in the Justice and Accountability Agenda.
Leni Robredo and Kiko Pangilinan are the diametrical opposite of the Marcos-Duterte tandem. Vice President Leni Robredo, a human rights lawyer, has consistently opposed and denounced human rights violations committed by the Duterte regime. Robredo denounced the massacre of activists in Southern Tagalog and called for an independent probe of the case. Robredo pledged to hold accountable high officials and others who are involved in the violation of human rights and corruption, allow the investigation of the International Criminal Court and the prosecution of Duterte, et al. on the EJKs and crimes against humanity. Robredo also pledged to pass a law that will give indemnification for the victims of human rights violations and tyranny of the Duterte regime. Robredo also vows to abolish the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) and to pursue the resumption of the peace talks.
Kiko Pangilinan, a former student leader and activist, is one of the only two senators who voted no against the Anti-Terror Act of 2020. Pangilinan has called for the release of political prisoners like Reina Mae Nasino and he has also pushed for the Anti-Political Dynasty Act. As it stands, Leni Robredo and Kiko Pangilinan are in the best position to defeat the Marcos and Duterte tandem.
We demand our new leaders to serve the interests, safety and welfare of the most marginalized members of Philippine society: the poor, indigenous communities, farmers and fisherfolk, factory workers, women, migrant and overseas workers, and the LGBTQIA+ community. Our members demand from candidates and expect that justice and accountability will be met by the candidates successfully assuming office.
We demand the following:
Uphold human rights and hold the Duterte regime accountable for its crimes against the Filipino people.
Hold the Marcoses accountable and prevent their return to power.
Achieve and promote peace based on justice.
End government corruption and the system of political dynasties.
Implement a national comprehensive COVID-19 pandemic response that is pro-people and science-based.
Protect and uphold the rights and welfare of marginalized classes and sectors.
Uphold civil liberties and promote genuine democracy.
Safeguard and defend our sovereignty and the interest of the Filipino people.
Develop a comprehensive Philippine curriculum reflective on science, history, and culture
