The Philippine Misereor Partnership, Inc. (PMPI) launched its electoral education campaign, “Power of Purple” (PoP), 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 emphasized 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 on March 29.
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.
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 organization 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 programs or policies aligned with our thematic concerns. We are advocates, but we must always be objective and fair,” Esguerra added.
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.
“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,” noted Esguerra.
PMPI plans to collaborate extensively with communities, partner organizations, 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.
