Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 30)— The opposition Liberal Party (LP) is ready to leave behind the heartbreaking loss of its candidates during the May 2022 elections and is already setting its sights on the 2025 mid-term polls.
“There will be no third election without the party winning positions. We are determined to strengthen the party coming from the grassroots up to the nationals. We are ready to campaign and fight… We will be a party to reckon with,” newly-elected LP president Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman said during the party’s national executive committee (NECO) meeting.
Former Senator Francis Pangilinan has been elected as chairman, replacing former Vice President Leni Robredo. Former Quezon City Rep. Kit Belmonte is the new vice chairman, while former Ifugao Rep. Teddy Baguilat has been named as secretary general.
Former Quezon province Rep. Erin Tanada is the executive vice president, and Oriental Mindoro Rep. Boy Umali has been elected as treasurer.
Lagman said LP will be a critical party but will observe “responsible opposition.” He clarified, however, that the party will be partners of the Marcos administration in policies and programs, “which will benefit the people more particularly the disadvantaged and marginalized.”
“We look forward to the 2025 mid-term elections and beyond. Babalik tayo (We will be back). As your President, I am not ready to incant the requiem of the Liberal Party. I assume the presidency to lift up the Liberal Party from the ashes of the May 2022 elections,” Lagman said during his acceptance speech.
He noted that they will field competent and credible candidates, “and I hope people will appreciate such quality.”
Pangilinan also insisted that LP is not done yet. He said that they may have not reached their desired goals of victory in 2022, but they have ignited a fire in the hearts of millions of Filipinos, especially the youth.
“[A] fire for good, effective governance and accountable leadership that will never be extinguished and shall in due time and with our tireless efforts spread like wildfire, engulfing the entire nation,” he said.
Leni Robredo has no position in LP’s new roster of officials but Lagman said the former vice president will continue to be active in the party.
In a video message, Robredo thanked LP members for staying and continuing the fight.
“It reflects the kind of public servants you are. Ones who are ready to rise to the moment, especially in the most difficult times. Nitong nakaraan, humarap tayo sa isang laban na bagamat mahirap ay puno ng saya at pag-asa (In the past, we faced a fight that was difficult but nevertheless full of fun and hope.),” she said.
As they strive to strengthen their ranks, Robredo added that they must keep faith in their shared values when expanding their circles of understanding and compassion.
“Ang NECO na ito ang magtatakda ng landas na tatahakin natin sa mga susunod na taon (This NECO will set the path that we will take in the next year). Despite the many, many hurdles before us, I remain hopeful,” Robredo said.
