SOME 340 members of Upsilon Sigma Phi, the oldest fraternity in Asia with chapters in the University of the Philippines, have thrown their support behind the presidential bid of Vice President Leni Robredo and her running mate, Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan.
The fraternity supporters said while Pangilinan is himself an Upsilonian, their support was borne not out of “sentimentality but searing objectivity.”
The Upsilon members joined the list of current and former members of school organizations, socio-civic clubs, government offices, business and professional organizations, and even the Armed Forces in declaring their support for the Robredo-Pangilinan tandem, saying they are the “spearhead of transformative change and redemption in the Philippines.”
The Robredo-Pangilinan tandem yesterday barnstormed the province of Rizal where supporters showed up at the Tanay Park in Tabing, Tanay despite heavy rains.
Earlier in the day, Robredo visited met with Antipolo Bishop Francisco de Leon and other members of the clergy and laity at the Regina Pacis Center of the Diocese of Antipolo in Antipolo City.
As of past 4 p.m., at least 10,000 people were gathered to participate in the “Leniwanag ang Silangan: A Leni-Kiko Grand People’s Rally” at the Rizal capitol grounds, Ynares Center Rizal Complex in Antipolo City.
The Upsilon supporters of the Robredo-Pangilinan tandem lauded the Vice President’s “unrelenting display of integrity, competence, and patriotism” and Pangilinan’s “quiet confidence that comes with demonstrated leadership and professional competence.”
This objectivity, they said, is based on the following criteria: “Quality of leadership demonstrated as a beleaguered public servant who delivers undaunted service as Vice President; indomitable patriotism in openly and repeatedly declaring opposition to China’s threat to Philippine sovereignty; unassailable Integrity as attested to the Commission on Appointment’s acknowledgment of the impeccable financial transparency and accountability of the Office of the Vice President; professional grounding shown in her (Robredo’s) probity and situational awareness based on her professional training and experience as an economist and lawyer; inclusive engagement for development in the way she has imbibed, understood, and acted on the sentiments and expectations of the poor, vulnerable, marginalized, and voiceless Filipinos; managerial Stamina — the way she has harnessed body and spirit to provide constant radiating guidance, strategy, inspiration, to staff, partners, networks as a quintessential servant leader.”
They also said Robredo has “charismatic folk appeal,” strategic foresight, and pride in the Filipino people, and is an “innovative problem-solver.”
“We urge all Filipino voters to cast informed votes on May 9, participating in the task of mandating the leaders who will ensure an inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous future for our children and future generations,” the fraternity men said.
