Robredo very nervous with 2019 elections than 2016 polls
MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Leni Robredo has admitted that she is more nervous about the outcome of this year’s elections compared to the 2016 polls when she ran and won the vice presidency.
According to Robredo, who openly endorses the Otso Diretso senatorial slate, there is a lot at stake with the 2019 midterm elections.
“Parang mas kabado ako ngayon. Iyon iyong kuwento nga namin ng mga bata kanina. Sabi nila, ‘Hindi kami makatulog. Ganito ba tayo noong 2016?’” Robredo told reporters in Naga City, Camarines Sur on Monday morning.
“Pero ngayon kasi parang ang daming at stake. Kabado para sa bansa, hindi naman for the individual candidates we are supporting. Pero […] we hope for the best. Nakita kasi natin, all over, grabe iyong vote-buying in the last two days. Sana hindi iyon makaapekto sa pagboto ng mga kababayan natin,” she added.
Robredo also acknowledged the uphill fight that the Otso Diretso candidates are facing. In the last Pulse Asia survey, the only Otso bet who made it to the Top 15 was reelectionist Senator Bam Aquino. No other Otso candidate was in the Magic 12.
Aquino was followed by former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas II at the 17th spot, then election lawyer Romulo Macalintal (24th), human rights lawyer Chel Diokno (25th), Marawi civic leader Samira Gutoc (26th), Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano (27th), former Deputy Speaker Erin Tañada (29th), and former Solicitor General Florin Hilbay (34th).
READ: Opposition candidates trail in Pulse survey
Despite this, Robredo remains hopeful, saying that she has not seen this kind of passion from voters and Otso Diretso volunteers since the 1986 People Power Revolution.
“Ako, sa akin kasi, napaka-uphill noong fight. Napaka-uphill noong battle. Pero in the last several weeks, nakita namin iyong passion ng mga volunteers. Ano iyon, unrivaled,” she explained.
“Parang huli kong nakita iyong ganoong passion noong 1986 pa. Kahit noong pagtakbo ko noong 2016, kahit marami kaming volunteers, iba iyong passion ngayon,” she added.
Go out and vote
Robredo also reminded people who are reluctant to cast their votes that the election is an opportunity for the public to voice their concerns about the way the government is being run, as well as their obligation to the country.
“Sana huwag palampasin iyong pagkakataon na pumili. Iyong eleksyon tinitingnan natin itong opportunity saka responsibility. Opportunity na mapaabot iyong ating mga saloobin, mapaabot natin iyong boses natin kung sino iyong gusto nating kakatawan sa atin,” Robredo explained.
“Pero at the same time, responsibility ito. Responsibility in the sense na hindi ito, parang, kung gusto mong bumoto, boboto ka; kung ayaw mong bumoto, hindi, kasi obligasyon mo. Obligasyon mo as a citizen na ipaabot iyong boses mo,” she added.
Earlier, reports came in that at 8:00 a.m., two hours after polling precincts were officially opened, only a few voters showed up in schools especially in some parts of Pasig City.
READ: Slow voter turnout so far in Pasig City
“Kaya sana, iyong sa nalalabing oras, iyong mga hindi pa nakakaboto, pumunta na sa mga polling centers. Huwag nang hintayin iyong last hour,” Robredo asked.
Robredo earlier voted inside the Tabuco Central School in Naga. According to her, the voting process went smoothly, considering there were problems with the machines in the last 2016 presidential elections. (Editor: Julie Espinosa)
LOOK: VP Leni Robredo votes in Naga City
