FORMER Police General Benjamin C. Acorda Jr., National President of the People’s Progressive Humanist Liberal Party

Former Police General Benjamin C. Acorda Jr., National President of the People’s Progressive Humanist Liberal Party (PolPHIL), delivered a stirring speech emphasizing cooperation and solidarity at the party’s Second National Assembly and Unification Summit this past Sunday.

Conducted at the U.P. Bahay Alumni, the summit brought together more than 900 members from various sectors in the Philippines, such as women, youth, single parents, transportation workers, Indigenous people, civil servants, and retired military personnel.

The primary focus of Acorda’s speech was the necessity of a governing paradigm that puts the welfare of all Filipinos above party differences.

He underlined that PolPHIL’s mission goes beyond the here and now in order to lay the groundwork for generations to come. “We come together not just as individuals, but as custodians of a shared vision—a vision for the Philippines where peace is more than just a hope: It is a tangible reality,” Acorda said.

He emphasized the summit’s role as a spur for action, increased participation, and fortified alliances in pursuit of shared objectives.

PolPHIL was founded in January of last year with the goal of bridging the nation’s growing political divides.

The party’s commitment to collaborative leadership was emphasized by Acorda, he said, “We are at an important turning point in history…Our country has faced numerous challenges—social, economic, and political—but we also have an incredible resilience that allows us to overcome these obstacles.”

The keynote address at the conference was given by Senator Imee Marcos. Senator Marcos, who chairs a number of important Senate committees, praised PolPHIL’s efforts to bring people of different political views together in support of a common goal of advancing the country.

Billy San Juan, Executive Director for International Linkages and Allies Development Center of PolPHIL, provided an analysis of the current political landscape and proposed strategies for PolPHIL to effectively communicate its platform and guide the public.

Billy San Juan, Executive Director for International Linkages and Allies Development Center of PolPHIL

The negative consequences of “vindictive politics,” a persistent problem in the Philippines, were emphasized in his talk.

San Juan’s remarks discussed the historical foundations of this polarizing political culture, implying that the legacy of personal grudges and rivalries has hampered advancement and damaged public confidence.

He maintained that this tendency to put one’s own reputation ahead of public service results in underutilized public services, a decline in public confidence in the government, and lost chances for the advancement of the country.

He underlined how vital it is to change to a collaborative government model that puts the interests of all people first.

According to San Juan, PolPHIL’s mission is to create a culture of civic involvement, bridge gaps, and advance policy-focused dialogue.

PolPHIL seeks to support a more cohesive and fruitful political climate in the Philippines by promoting cooperation amongst various political actors and placing a strong emphasis on important policy discussions.

This dedication to solidarity and cooperative governance was eloquently displayed during the summit.