The hottest new color in Philippine politics is a vivid magenta.
This hue is unofficially the color of Vice President Maria Leonor Leni Robredo. Her liberal politics and calm leadership style are a sharp contrast to incumbent president Rodrigo Duterte. The 56-year-old human rights lawyer and activist confirmed her candidacy for the presidency today, Oct. 7, via a 15 minute speech that was streamed live on social media. Robredo will run under the Liberal Party. She will be facing opponents such as Ferdinand Bong Bong Marcos Jr., Manny Pacquiao, and others.
She expressed her gratitude for the support and prayers she received, as well as the understanding that I went through in preparing for the 2022 election. It is a huge responsibility to be president. This cannot be done based on ambition or pressure from outside.
Filipinos eager for a reprieve from Dutertes strongman politics have been eagerly waiting for her candidacy. Robredo was the victim of constant harassment and intimidation during her tenure. She explained that she intended to leave the spotlight and return to her home in the central Philippines to assist in pandemic recovery efforts.
The Philippines elects vice presidents and presidents separately. Robredo defeated Dutertes' running mate in 2016 elections by a wide margin.
Today, I am completely resolved. We need to free ourselves from the current situation, she stated. We will fight.
Reuters/Lisa Marie David Hot pink.
Social media was flooded with pink prideribbons and pink shirts selfies. Then there were the themed avatars that flooded Instagram and Facebook. Robredo gave the speech in a simple, blue blouse that triggered a pink awareness ribbon. Later, she posed with her certificate of candidacy and a pink mask on her face for the cameras.
Pink is a powerful color
Robredo pink doesn't look like a boring pastel for girls. It is a louder, more energetic hue (hex code #fe18a3).
Reuters/Lisa Marie David Primary pink.
CNN was informed by her camp that they have yet to finalize the branding for her campaign. Yellow was her previous choice of color, which is the traditional Filipino liberal party's favorite color. Dapat si Leni (It ought to be Leni), a group that has done some design work on the campaign independently and shared it via social media. It is one of several volunteer groups that created Robredo's communication materials, including campaign videos, illustrations portraits, shirts and even a catchy tune to get her support.
The campaign was unofficial and resembling Pantones 2015 dual colors, but Dapat Si Lenis chose two saturated colors. Most supporters embrace the pink.
They explain their symbolism in a tweet: These colors were chosen because they are loud like our calls to change, bright enough for the future and strong like our desire to return our country from the abyss.
Robredo is currently the only woman in this race. She would be the third woman to become commander-in-chief of the country if she wins.
