Labor leaders and senatorial candidates Leody de Guzman and Luke Espiritu on Thursday night expressed confidence in their chances for victory in the upcoming May 12 midterm elections—anchoring their hope on the groundswell of youth and grassroots support.
“Lagi kaming nasa top 12 ng survey ng mga estudyante,” De Guzman told a cheering crowd at Liwasang Bonifacio, in Manila, where the group held their miting de avance.
(We’re always in the top 12 of student surveys.)
“At hindi lang nasa top 12, karamihan sa kanilang mga ginawang survey sa pamamagitan ng mock election nila, kami ni Luke ay nasa top 5!” he added.
(And not just in the top 12—based on most of their surveys through mock elections, Luke and I are in the top 5!)
The rally culminated a months-long campaign that saw the tandem visiting labor unions, student organizations, and community assemblies nationwide.
Breaking free from dynasties
De Guzman drew a sharp contrast between their grassroots-driven campaign and the machinery-driven campaign of bigger coalitions.
He went on to describe their slate as one formed by those who have had enough of political dynasties and wanted change.
In an ambush interview after the rally, both shared their long-term vision for the movement.
“For us, it’s just a matter of time. Victory can come in 2025, but if not, we could gain a lot in terms of political capital. We will never go away,” Espiritu said.
He also underscored the importance of the youth vote, describing it as the most independent and conscious bloc of voters.
“It reflects the conscious vote—yung vote na hindi naiimpluwensyahan ng mga pera, troll farms, sample ballot, o pananakot ng mga dinastiya,” he explained.
(It’s the vote that’s not influenced by money, troll farms, sample ballots, or the intimidation tactics of dynasties.)
De Guzman echoed this sentiment, calling the engagement of young voters a moral victory.
“Isang klaro, yung rational na dahilan ng pagboto ay nakapanig sa amin. At yun ay isang malaking tagumpay,” he said.
(One thing is clear, the rational reason for voting is on our side. And that is a huge victory.)
Shifting strategies
Looking back at his previous campaigns in 2019 and 2022, De Guzman noted a strategic shift this time around.
“Ngayon, nag-focus kami sa mga kabataang estudyante. Kaya halos lahat ng eskwelahan inikot namin. At tagumpay kami doon,” he said, emphasizing their focused efforts on engaging with the younger generation.
(We focused on the youth, so we visited almost all schools. And we were successful there.)
He explained that this approach allowed them to highlight the economic pressures faced by young Filipinos while articulating their campaign’s intentions and agenda clearly to the youth.
Despite the uphill battle, De Guzman and Espiritu remain hopeful, believing that their message resonates with the Filipino people.
“Panalo na tayo ngayon eh,” Espiritu declared, referencing a recent survey showing that 90% of Filipinos support candidates who advocate for labor rights.
(We’re already winning now.) –NB, GMA Integrated News
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