The usual facade of presidentiables followed a narrative pointing to elites, dominant political parties, and dynasties. As social injustices marginalized the working class, certain individuals choose to rise up and challenge such practices. It became an avenue to encourage ordinary citizens in advocating for equal opportunity and proper governance. Labor leader Leodegario De Guzman, known as “Ka Leody”, has been recognized for his courage and as an entity that represents the working class.
Ka Leody first captured attention when he had engaged in questions conducted at “The Jessica Soho Presidential Interviews.” Despite not being invited, he joined the television program through organizing a Facebook Live intended to present his agenda and vision to the public. He was also commended after attending the SMNI Presidential Debate 2022. Despite the controversies surrounding the event, he stated that his presence is an obligation to share platforms with all voters.
His key priority programs include developing the livelihood of farmers and fishermen to strengthen the production of goods, building own manufacturers to sustain an independent industry, and responding to the needs of health workers, and improve the healthcare system.
The presidential candidate also advocates for labor rights, regularization of workers, suspension of the TRAIN law, and removal of oil deregulation law. Along with his platforms, he also advocates for the approval of divorce, Bangsamoro Organic Law, Anti-Political Dynasty Law, same-sex marriage, and the SOGIE Equality Bill.
Through utilizing social media and exposure in debates and interviews, he was able to build a reputation for revisiting standards. Commitment to one’s goal can be easily disrupted by the intimidation of a hierarchy but Ka Leody defied those.
Until this very day, Ka Leody remains to be a symbol of change in the Philippine political landscape. By defying years worth of malpractice committed by the same families and social class, he stands for a new generation, a voice for a greater mass.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect the view of POLITICO.PH
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kristine Mae D. Cruz is a senior student of Communication at Far Eastern University-Manila and is currently an intern at Brown Bag Communications Inc. under PageOne Media. As a student, she has developed skills in research and writing articles for websites and magazines. Writing has been a passion of hers as well as the occasional binge-watching of historical documentaries. With media as her line of industry, she intends to seek the truth and create unbiased content as a representative of the Fourth Estate.
Photo credit: Facebook.com/KaLeodyDeGuzman
