Duterte opponents launch 1Sambayan USA

The coalition aims to unite various Filipinos groups to push for a “competent, trustworthy administration” in the May 2022 national elections in the Philippines. SCREENSHOT

Mirroring a broad political spectrum, U.S.-based critics of the Duterte administration launched the US chapter of 1Sambayan on Aug. 11.

The coalition aims to unite various Filipinos groups to push for a “competent, trustworthy administration” in the May 2022 national elections in the Philippines. The event encouraged Filipinos in the U.S. to register for the Overseas Absentee Voter and get involved.

Hosted by Ginger Leopoldo and Giselle Tongi, the 1SAMBAYAN launch began with solidarity messages, music videos and a voter registration video guide featuring Filipina actress and artist Maria Isabel Lopez.

A rendition of “O Bayan Ko” composed by National Artist Ryan Cayabyab and performed by the Ateneo Chamber Singers and the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra preceded solidarity messages from several organizations such as U.S. Pinoys for Good Governance, Malaya Movement, Filipino American Human Rights Alliance and the National Ecumenical Forum for Filipino Concerns-Inland Empire.

1SAMBAYAN convenor Fr. Bert Alejo urged Filipinos abroad “to organize and not just agonize. To put up leaders who know the rules and follow the rules.”

Dr. Joseph Carabeo of 1Sambayan Health Sector Committee decried government neglect during the pandemic,  concluding, “We are always faced with violence instead of health and wellness. We must end this kind of rule, we must end it so we can have a healthier tomorrow. 

Renee Louise Co and Joanna Concepcion stressed the importance of overseas Filipino voters in helping social change in the Philippines, echoed by 1SAMBAYAN USA National Coordinator Yves Nibungco, who closed the program by stressing, “We need to drive the point that every Filipino needs to get involved in the upcoming elections.”

1SAMBAYAN USA is organizing a national new member orientation on Aug.25, 5-6:30 p.m. pst;  7-8:30 p.m. cst; 8 p:m-9: 30 p.m. est.