A crowd of about 3,000 Negrenses officially launched the “Risa Na” movement on Sunday, June 28, kicking off a campaign for Senator Risa Hontiveros for president in 2028.
The multi-sectoral group gathered at the Gonzaga Gym in Taculing, Bacolod City, to show their collective commitment to Hontiveros’ presidential bid and highlight the “aspirations of grassroots sectors for responsive, inclusive, and accountable leadership”. the organizers said.
Organizers estimated the crowd that packed the gym at 2,500 to 3,000.
Former Magdalo Party-list Rep. Gary Alejano said his group is throwing its full support behind Hontiveros because it is important to elect a leader who leaves no one behind.
“We should feel the sense of urgency, the sense of duty to work for the right leader to be elected into office,” Alejano said.
Although Hontiveros is open to giving way to an opposition candidate who has higher numbers and better chances for the presidency, for a unified ticket in 2028, he added.
A similar movement was launched in Iloilo last week and will do the same in Cebu next week, he said.
Former Negros Occidental Board Member Mardi Mapa-Suplido of the Akbayan Citizens’ Action Party, who was one of the speakers, said the Filipino people should not elect a leader who comes from a family that engages in extrajudicial killings, steals from the nation, and lies.
The nation needs a leader who has integrity, intelligence, and the bravery to fight for what is right, and “Risa Hontiveros is the best candidate we can ever have,” Mapa-Suplido said.
She added that Hontiveros is a leader who is ready and willing, does not come from a political dynasty, and has not engaged in corruption.
The participants at the launch signed a manifesto of support for “leadership that is better, stronger, and more reliable.”
“There must be a government that can be felt, service that is reliable, work with dignity, a community that is stable, and freedom of speech without fear,” the manifesto signatories said, adding that this is what they see in Hontiveros.
They said by signing the manifesto, they commit to take action by establishing “Risa Na!” chapters in their communities for a better Philippines.
Other speakers at the event included Ken Paolo Gilo for the youth, Edsel Rolota for labor, Jaica Madrid for women, Sofia Hontiveros Gane, Joy Jarabela for the urban poor, Lylybet Jimena for solo parents, and Kabankalan City Councilor Adolfo Mangao.
Former Senator Sonny Trillanes also delivered a video message.*
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