New batch of LP members vow to “flow against” Duterte admin

The Liberal Party (LP) may have lost many of its members as the new administration ushered in, but it has gathered a new batch of members who do not come from political backgrounds.

Professionals and youth from the academe and non-government organizations are now the lot of this new LP batch. LP President Senator Francis Pangilinan said that the change in members’ ranks is reflective of the party’s transition from a party of a few to a party of the people.

“We are clear on why this is important. We know that real change and solutions to the country’s deepest problems are not in the hands of one person or one group or one political elite, but in all our hands, in our collective strength, in our collective action together with political leaders with a real love of country and with people who are  risking, taking a stand, and acting for real change,’’ Pangilinan said.

More than 100 of these civilians took their oath on November 7, 2017 (Tuesday) which was administered by current LP President and the Philippine’s Vice President Leni Robredo.

“We know that often, people go with the flow, but you flow against,” Robredo  said.

She saluted the courage of the new LP members who chose to go against the kind of leadership set forth by President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration.

“This so-called Dutertism is a form of leadership that does not adhere to the limits of power, does not respect institutions, does not regard or follow processes, including the rights and freedoms in the Constitution, which is disregarded under this leadership,” said the new batch’s representative, Atty. Raffy Aquino.

Aquino further said that these are the best times to “restore and strengthen” the LP. Just as Duterte’s power rise, the LP views brave of these non-politicians to believe in what the LP stands for.

‘’I know that you know full well what you are doing. We salute you because you are not afraid to be called yellow, because you know that these are the times that almost no one wants to join the party because we are always attacked and made to look bad in the eyes of the public. But you believe and trust that this is the party with firm principles,” Robredo said.

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Source: Manila Bulletin