Roxas supporters: Ups and downs in following the ‘Straight Path’

MANILA, Philippines – A sea of yellow supporters exclaiming, “Roxas Na!” believe that Mar Roxas can follow in President Aquino’s footsteps and continue walking down the “Daang Matuwid” (straight path). 

Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas II and now standard-bearer of the Liberal Party declared his candidacy in the 2016 National Elections after being endorsed by President Aquino at Club Filipino. In his acceptance speech, he committed to following the straight path and listening to his “bosses”– the Filipino people.

His “bosses” who were present at the event are convinced for various reasons that Roxas is the right man to take over Aquino’s job.

Georgina Coralde, the chairperson of the Ways and Means Committee of Samahan sa Tuwid na Daan, claimed that Roxas has a clean and honest record. “Wala siyang ibang layunin kundi magsilbi sa bayan at maituloy yung programa ni Pangulog Aquino.” (He has no other goal but to serve the country and continue President Aquino’s programs.)

“Ah kasi ako, naniniwala ako na mabibigay niya ang progreso sa lahat ng kababayan natin sa Pilipinas,” explained Ging Ging Perez Almalbis, who came all the way from Capiz just to attend the event. (I believe that he will bring progress to his country and his countrymen.)

Samina Kabugatan, a Muslim from San Juan, thinks that Roxas supports the people, including the Muslim Community. However, she does not know of any specific programs that Roxas has put in place. 

Some of Roxas’ specific programs, according to Ann Hofer, include his DILG projects and Bottom-Up Budgeting, which Hofer claimed, was pioneered by Roxas. Pilar Francisco, spokesperson of Win for Mar or Women for Mar, also cited his efforts to alleviate corruption and attract investments. 

With all the praises from his advocates, supporters admitted that Roxas also has his own Achilles heel. Francisco thinks that Roxas is shy and too serious compared to other politicians. Similarly, Domingo said that a lot of people think that Roxas is too kind and soft. 

One particular supporter felt let down by Roxas. Lilia Villas, a 72-year-old woman who traveled from Bulacan to show her support, claimed that Roxas is not always available for those who need him. When Roxas went to Bulacan, Villas asked for help but was not entertained. Roxas told her to go to the launch and to “try to see me”. She came to San Juan, hoping that he would keep his word after the event, but she was let down. 

In his acceptance speech, Roxas declared, “Naniniwala ako: Hindi lang ito tungkol sa akin o kay PNoy. Ang Daang Matuwid ay tungkol sa mga pangarap ng bawa’t Pilipino”. (I believe that the “straight path” is not about me or about PNoy. It is about the dreams of every Filipino.)

What are his supporters’ dreams if ever Roxas does get elected as President?

The supporters who attended the event want new programs that will reach out to people in remote areas, give medical support, eradicate corruption, bring economic progress, and improve the educational system. Villas further explained that there is a lot to work on, especially the educational institutions.

Villas, who is a retired teacher, compared the dilapidated classrooms of public schools with the orderly government offices. She hopes that Roxas will raise the dignity of the teaching profession because “they are the ones who are sacrificing [for the Philippines].”

In addition to the reforms, a lot of his supporters who were present at the launch are hoping he will not only follow the “straight path” but will also follow the standard that Aquino has set.

“I’m really happy about what President Aquino has done for our country. If not exactly like President Aquino, Roxas is similar to him,” asserted Jules Domingo.

“Sana po ipagpatuloy po ninyo ang sinimulan ni President Aquino” (I hope you will continue what President Aquino started), said Marvin Jason Rodriguez during his speech. This call was echoed by Allyannah Terite, a beneficiary of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, who is now a freshman at the University of the Philippines, Diliman. 

To this, Roxas responded by vowing to Aquino and to his advocates, “Hindi ko dudumihan ang pangalan nila, at hindi ko dudumihan ang pangalan ninyo…Hinding-hindi ako lilihis sa daang matuwid. Ibubuhos ko ang lahat, wala akong ititira para sa sarili ko. I will leave everything on the floor para sa labang ito” (I will not tarnish their name, and I will not tarnish your name. I will not go against the straight path. I will give my all, I will not leave anything for myself. I will leave everything on the floor for this fight.)

– Rappler.com