MANILA (LiCAS News): The Philippine Misereor Partnership, Inc. [PMPI] launched its electoral education campaign, “Power of Purple” [PoP] on March 29, calling on Filipino voters to support senatorial candidates committed to sustainable development and social justice.
The PoP campaign will evaluate and inform voters about the positions and policies of 26 senatorial candidates across four critical areas: Climate Crisis and Disasters, Environmental Protection, Livelihoods and Vulnerable Sectors, and Agriculture and Fisheries.
PMPI National Coordinator Yolanda Rafol-Esguerra emphasised the critical role of elections as a platform for exercising democratic rights.
“If an election is well conducted or launched, it becomes the broadest platform to exercise our democratic rights. It needs to be taken seriously—votes must be carefully thought out. Through responsible choices, we can achieve a better life for everyone,” Esguerra said during the campaign launch.
The 26 candidates, identified from the December 2024 Social Weather Stations survey and PMPI’s network survey conducted in January 2025, will be provided structured questionnaires to clearly present their platforms.
If an election is well conducted or launched, it becomes the broadest platform to exercise our democratic rights. It needs to be taken seriously—votes must be carefully thought out. Through responsible choices, we can achieve a better life for everyone
Yolanda Rafol-Esguerra
Campaigning began on February 11 for the Philippine mid-term elections. Talk show hosts, movie stars, and a preacher jailed on sex-trafficking charges are among the candidates vying for a dozen open Senate seats.
In January, Social Weather Stations, listed job creation, food security, the health system, education, and workers’ rights as Filipinos’ top concerns.
Since its inception in 2016, the Power of Purple initiative has evaluated candidates using publicly accessible and verifiable information, focusing on their records and advocacy alignment with PMPI’s core principles. The organisation noted that maintaining fairness and objectivity is essential, despite personal preferences.
“Even if we don’t personally favor a candidate, we must acknowledge their efforts if they have implemented programmes or policies aligned with our thematic concerns. We are advocates, but we must always be objective and fair,” Esguerra added.
As we celebrate the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. The Chaplaincy to Filipino Migrants organises an on-line talk every Tuesday at 9.00pm. You can join us at:
https://www.Facebook.com/CFM-Gifted-to-give-101039001847033
PMPI deputy coordinator, Candy Hidalgo, further stressed the importance of continued civic engagement beyond elections.
“Beyond the election, every voter must remain active. The election is just the beginning—afterwards, the real work begins. We must follow up on what the candidates have promised,” Hidalgo said.
Esguerra also highlighted the immediate impact achievable through local-level advocacy.
Beyond the election, every voter must remain active. The election is just the beginning—afterwards, the real work begins. We must follow up on what the candidates have promised
Candy Hidalgo
“National-level policy advocacy takes time to bear fruit. But the impact of our actions and lobbying on the ground is more evident when it comes to social movements and policy reforms,” Esguerra noted.
PMPI plans to collaborate extensively with communities, partner organisations, and institutions to disseminate the findings widely.
“We are hoping that the Power of Purple ratings and research findings will be a valuable tool for voters in choosing leaders who will champion policies that protect both people and the planet,” Esguerra said.
During its general assembly in December 2024, the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting [PPCRV], the non- partisan lay movement that works for clean, honest elections, planned to deploy some 450,000 volunteers to polling precincts and canvassing centres nationwide for the mid-term elections
“We had 450,000 card-bearing members in 2022. We will start our mobilization soon and hope to achieve that… and more,” Ana Singson said the PPCRV’s national communications director, said.
The organisation stressed that involving young people is vital in ensuring that the democratic process remains vibrant and meaningful “for generations to come.”
“You, young people, have a critical role to play, not only for tomorrow but today,” said the PPCRV.
