By Lance Arevada

PHOTO: Rizal Provincial Government/Team Leni Robredo

In an unprecedented move, more than 600 students and alumni of Rizal National Science High School (RNSHS), the first science high school established in Rizal province, have expressed their support for the tandem of Vice President Leni Robredo and Senator Kiko Pangilinan in the upcoming 2022 Elections.

"Kaming mga RiScian ay kusang-loob at taos-pusong nagpapahayag ng suporta sa kandidatura nina Leni Robredo sa pagkapangulo at Kiko Pangilinan sa pagkapangalawang pangulo," they stated in a joint statement that was released on April 4.

Their group, called RiScians for Leni-Kiko, cited Robredo and Pangilinan's stellar record in public service and the projects of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) in the province throughout the past years.

"Hindi ba't radikal na ang katulad nilang mga kandidato ang pagbubuhusan ng lakas at suporta sa isang krusyal na halalan? Bunga ng edukasyon ang kritikal na pag-iisip at sa mga dahilang ito kami ay tumitindig," the group said.

They added: "Katulad nina Leni at Kiko na mga Iskolar ng Bayan, hangad naming makapaglingkod sa sambayanan at makikiisa kami sa kanilang laban."



As of April 4, about 612 students and alumni signed the statement which collectively expresses their support, and does not reflect the views of RNSHS as an institution.

In addition, the students and alumni have expressed their confidence in the platforms of the tandem that will bring social change and justice to the country.

"Nais nilang wakasan ang luma at bulok na sistema ng pamamahala sa bansa at pang-aabuso sa mamamayang Pilipino. Isinusulong nila ang gobyernong tapat, na mag-aangat sa buhay ng lahat - kabilang tayong mga taga-Rizal," they said.

The group has also joined the calls for free, fair, and transparent elections on May 9 in which they committed to participating for the country's welfare.

"Kaisa rin kami sa panawagan para sa isang malinis at tapat na halalan ng 2022. Makikiisa kami sa halalang ito na ang aming mga kilos at gawa ay naka-ugat sa katotohanan at sa kapakanan ng sambayanan," they added.

The statement of support from RiScians for Leni-Kiko was posted in time for the upcoming Leni-Kiko Rizal Grand People's Rally that will be held on April 5.

In the 2016 Elections, Robredo placed second in Rizal Province with 285,180 votes. Meanwhile, former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. won in all cities and municipalities in the same province with 435,081 votes.


Edited by: Phylline Calubayan