Concert series rallying voters’ support for Team PNoy launched

MANILA, Philippines - Civil society groups supporting President Aquino have launched a nationwide concert series rallying voter support for the administration coalition Team PNoy to ensure a long-term implementation of Aquino’s reform and anti-poverty agenda.

Rock the Vote 2013 concerts are convened by People Power Volunteers for Reform (PPVR) and the Yellow Ribbon Movement. The concerts will be held in Dagupan on May 6, Davao on May 7, Batangas on May 8, and Cebu on May 9.

The concerts will feature the country’s top rock bands, performers, celebrities and the revival of the historical “Tie A Yellow Ribbon” campaign, wherein the public is enjoined to tie yellow ribbons in vehicles and establishments to show their support for Team PNoy and Aquino’s efforts to eradicate corruption.

“Rock the Vote 2013 will remind the Filipino people: Hindi pa tapos ang laban! (The fight is not yet over). In 1986, we came together to oust a dictator; in 2010, we came together once more to kick out corruption in government; in 2013, we are coming together to continue pushing for reforms of the Aquino administration and end poverty,” PPVR and Yellow Ribbon Movement said in a statement.

“We are proud of the significant steps taken by the present government towards good governance and improving the welfare of Filipinos. But we know that many obstacles and challenges remain in the way of political renewal and in building the envisioned straight path to inclusive democracy and inclusive development,” Manny So of the PPVR said.

“Because of this, the continued participation and engagement of volunteers, concerned citizens and citizen groups in reform efforts must be for the long haul. Moreover, we need to elect and engage more leaders who will stand for true and lasting reform, who will strengthen the reform track, and work to build on the gains of the past three years,” he added.

Meanwhile, Yellow Ribbon Movement spokesperson Cleofe Llamas said that the groups believe it is the duty of every caring citizen to elect legislators who can create laws that will help the President deliver the promise of affordable medical care and health benefits, quality education, stable employment, affordable homes, peace and security, and adequate food supply for Filipinos.

“This year we hope to make the national election the instrument to drive out of office the corrupt, the incompetent and the immoral public servants whose only overpowering interest in running for public office is to perpetuate patronage politics and corner the use of public funds for private gain,” Llamas added.

PPVR, the Yellow Ribbon Movement and Regal Films matriarch Lily Monteverde have endorsed Team PNoy candidates Benigno “Bam” Aquino and Risa Hontiveros.