Why did Leni wear black on her proclamation as VP?

Incoming Vice President Leni Robredo. INQUIRER PHOTO/Richard Reyes

THE public was used to seeing Vice President-elect Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo on a yellow garb during the past eight months.

When she wore a black and beige dress on her proclamation as the country’s 14th vice president on Monday, the public wondered if this meant she was distancing from the once powerful Liberal Party.

Asked if there was something that the public needs to know on why she wore a black dress, Robredo gave this explanation:

“Dadalawa lang [ang yellow dress ko]. Kaya kapag pumapasok talaga ako sa Kongreso, bihira talaga akong nakadilaw kasi konti yung pagpipilian,” Robredo told reporters.

The 52-year-old lawmaker from Camarines Sur said that she avoids colors that will highlight her “dark” complexion.

“Maitim kasi ako, kaya lumalayo ako sa mga kulay na lalo akong nagpapaitim,” she said.

She also said that she just get any attire from her closet.

“Pero hindi ko naman kinakalimutan yung pinanggagalingan pero inabot ang kamay sa pakikitulungan sa lahat,” the vice president-elect said.

On her role on the LP, she said that the erstwhile dominant party will have to discuss whether she will have a titular or an active role.

Robredo is the LP-allied official who will hold the highest office in the next administration. During his time, outgoing President Benigno Aquino III was the chairman of the party.