While this editorial is being written, supporters of Vice President Leni Robredo are now gathering in Sta. Rosa City in Laguna for one of her scheduled grand rallies, as the campaign for the May 9 election enters its last week.
As they say in basketball, the last two minutes of the game are often the most action-packed moments. And this election – like in 2016 – is no different.
Here in Laguna, volunteers for Robredo are conducting their campaign in double time. Going beyond the traditional motorcades and campaign events, many are now reportedly pitching their time and money on house-to-house and "man-on-the-street" campaigns to convince voters that Robredo is the most ideal leader for the Philippines.
Defying both the threat of Covid-19 and the negative reactions from die-hard supporters of other candidates, Robredo’s campaign groups are now fueling the gaining momentum for her presidency.
Despite Marcos Jr.’s alleged lead in political surveys –which many have scoffed as paid hacks that were conducted with perception, not science, in mind – it’s now impossible to deny that Robredo’s campaign is gaining the winning hand.
What was once a statistical “improbability” in the early days of the campaign – a possible victory of the Vice President – is now with even larger certainty.
And this kind of phenomenon is not new, as the 2016 elections which propelled President Rodrigo Duterte to victory has shown.
Let’s remember that Duterte’s campaign was also propelled by volunteerism and a desire for a change of the country’s political landscape.
This time, though, the stakes are even higher.
Coming on the heels of a global pandemic that killed millions and crippled a global economy, plus uncertainties here and abroad and a growing backlash against the return of authoritarian rule – many of Robredo’s supporters believe that this is THE crucial election that will change everything not just for them but for their future generations.
A week still remains for the campaigning for the May 9 polls, and as we’ve said earlier, anything can happen in those crucial last days.
However, one thing remains for certain: the Robredo momentum is now unstoppable.