A caravan by local supporters of Leni Robredo made a big splash amid the stormy weather.
More than 300 people and at least 120 cars made the November 14 motorcade that started in Vancouver and ended in Richmond.
The caravan was organized by Global Filipinos Leni, BC Kami Kay Leni, Global Pinoy Diaspora Canada, and Vancouver BC for Leni 2022.
Organizers are thanking long-time realtor Tom Choy who paid for insurance for the use of the parking lot of Lansdowne Centre in Richmond, where participants ended their motorcade.
Robredo is running for president in the 2022 Philippine election.
Meanwhile in the Philippines, Robredo has urged Filipinos, who may have been in conflict or disagreement with their friends and relatives due to their political stand, to start making amends, as people are hurt regardless of their beliefs.
Robredo said this as she noted the views of experts that there are hidden forces trying to make Filipinos fight each other, including in social media, as it would be easier to advance personal interest when people are divided.
“Alam niyo, nitong mga nakaraang taon, nakita natin kung paano naghati-hati ang ating mga hanay. Lalo na sa social media, maraming masasakit na salitang binitawan. May mga magkakaibigan, pati na magakamamag-anak, na nag-away dahil sa posisyon sa pulitika,” she said in a video statement posted on her official Facebook page.
(We have witnessed the past few years that people became divided, especially on social media, a lot of hurtful words were delivered. Friends and relatives became enemies because of political stance.)
“Ang analysis ng mga eksperto, may mga puwersa na sadya tayong pinag-aaway. Dahil kapag watak-watak ang mga Pilipino, mas madaling maisusulong ang personal na agenda ng mga puwersang ito. Anuman ang dahilan, hindi maikakaila: nagkasakitan tayo,” she added.
(Experts say there are people who really want people to be divided. Because when we are divided, they can easily advance their political agenda.)
“Nasaang panig ka man, gaano man kasigurado sa paninindigan mo, may nakasakit ng kapwa. Panahon na, tayo na ang magsimula, lumapit sa mga naka-alitan, kung may nakita sa social media na hindi naaayon sa mga pinaniniwalaan natin, magpaliwanag nang mahinahon at may respeto,” Robredo said.
(Whatever side you are in, even if you are really sure of your political convictions, you have hurt someone. It is time for us to initiate reconciliation, approach other people, and when you see something untrue or something that does not coincide with our beliefs, explain in a calm and respectful manner.)