By Teddy Brul

MANILA, Philippines — The “Kakampinks,” a group of supporters of former vice president Leni Robredo, have started a new movement called IM15M with the goal of securing Senate seats for former senators Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan in the 2025 midterm elections.

The IM15M, which draws its name from the 15 million Filipinos who voted for Robredo in the 2022 presidential election, is a coalition of various groups including Isang Mamamayan Kay Leni (IMKLeni), Leni Tanging Pagasa (LTP), Bankers for Leni, Youth for Leni, Bikers for Leni, the Robredo People’s Council (RPC) and representatives from BARRM.

With the tagline “I’m one of the 15M,” Elmer Argano, the secretary general of IMKLeni, stated that the IM15M movement will promote solidarity among Robredo’s followers and fortify the forces in an endeavor to use creative tactics to secure significant votes to restore Aquino and Pangilinan to the Senate.

In this renewed chapter, the IM15M has declared its full support for the tandem of Kiko Pangilinan and Bam Aquino, who according to them, are both leaders, who stood with the movement in 2022.

“The two former senators, Aquino and Pangilinan embody the ideals of “Angat Buhay” and have proven their dedication to uplifting Filipinos, especially those in the margins. Together, they represent the next wave of hope for a brighter and more equitable future,” Argano said.

In the 2022 elections, the “Kakampink” defied expectations by winning 22% of the presidential vote and 22% of the registered vote, an incredible accomplishment made possible with very little conventional funding.

“The Pink Movement is far from over. Our fellowship, dreams, and mission remain unshaken. The journey continues, led by 15 million voices committed to building a nation driven by justice, compassion, and possibility,” Argano said.

Argano further said that the group will strive for the vision of inclusivity, integrity, and hope among Filipinos. It calls on every Filipino who believes in this vision to come together again, united in faith in the country’s ability to bring about meaningful change. 

Let us also reject the rotten political system in the country where the rule of the few, deceit, intimidation, and lies prevail, propagated by traditional politicians in their desire to maintain their personal interests in the politics and business of their clan, he emphasized.

Despite the strength of established political powers, which are common in Southern Mindanao and other regions where political warlords are prevalent, LTP Mindanao Nick Zalamarte emphasized that the coalition remained strong and dedicated to its mission in the face of a torrent of misinformation, dark propaganda, and intimidation.

The movement’s spirit prevailed even though the presidential contest was lost. According to Malazarte, it cleared the way for progress and demonstrated the strength of grassroots activism and regular people working for significant change.