The Laban sign is a Filipino hand gesture made by extending the thumb horizontally and the index finger pointing up, leaving the other fingers closed to create the letter L, which stands for laban (Filipino for "fight"). It is sometimes mistaken for the mildly offensive Western "loser"1 and "raised gun" gestures, to which it is unrelated.
Background and usage
The term "LABAN" is an abbreviation of Lakas ng Bayan ("People's Power"), a former political coalition organised by opposition Senator Benigno S. Aquino Jr. for the 1978 Interim Batasang Pambansa regional elections.2
The gesture was popularized in 1983 during Senator Aquino's funeral, and the 1986 People Power Revolution that his assassination had precipitated.1 The Laban sign branding was bestowed on Ninoy's widow, Cory Aquino, along with the color yellow by Public Relations practitioner Reli German.3
In 2009, the Laban sign was again widely seen during the funeral of Cory Aquino,1 and the subsequent presidential campaign of their son, President Benigno Aquino III, before the 2010 Philippine elections. In 2021, upon announcing the presidential bid of Vice President Leni Robredo for the upcoming 2022 elections, the gesture was associated with her campaign.
In June 12, 2026, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano invoked the Laban sign amidst a Senate leadership crisis during a Facebook livestream and his removal as Senate president on June 3, he insist that he remains Senate president.4 The August Twenty-One Movement criticized Cayetano for appropriating the gesture for his political gain.56
References
References
- "L sign recovers from its loser status". GMA News. August 20, 2009. Retrieved February 16, 2020.
- "RE: The "Laban" Sign". ABS-CBN News. August 11, 2009. Retrieved February 16, 2020.
- Carpio, Audrey (May 12, 2019). "Q&A with a spin doctor: "Only 2 ways to persuade voters—make them laugh or make them cry"". ABS-CBN News.
- Lalu, Gabriel Pabico (12 June 2026). "Cayetano likens group's struggle to Ninoy's; raises 'Laban' sign". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved 15 June 2026.
- Serquiña, Mariel Celine (14 June 2026). "ATOM decries Alan Peter Cayetano's use of Laban sign, comparison with Ninoy Aquino". GMA News. Retrieved 15 June 2026.
- Tulad, Victoria (presenter), Bohol, Volt (guest) (15 June 2026). ATOM: Cayetano's use of 'L' sign 'laughable, insincere' after black propaganda vs yellow movement.