FILE PHOTO: Vice President Leni Robredo during the rollout of the OVP Swab Cab in Marikina. Image from her Facebook page
MANILA, Philippines — Grassroots organizations have pledged to support Vice President Leni Robredo on her possible bid to become president because of her response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Senator Francis Pangilinan said.
Pangilinan, who is also the president of the Liberal Party (LP) where Robredo is a member, said on Thursday that there is enough proof to show that the Vice President has been working steadily to help contain the spread of COVID-19.
“Lahat ng gusto na maging pangulo si VP Leni, gusto siya dahil ang daming resibo ng serbisyo niya sa bayan lalo na ngayong pandemya,” the senator said in a statement.
(All who want VP Leni to become president choose her because they have experienced her service, especially in this pandemic.)
Pangilinan is referring to the recent expressions of support for Robredo from various organizations — from lawyers, the LGBTQIA+ community, student and youth groups, and the rural sector.
Over the past two weeks, several movements operating under the volunteer group Team Leni Robredo have officially launched their campaigns to persuade the Vice President to run for president in the 2022 National Elections.
“Parang nanay talaga. Hindi lang kagyat na pangangailangan tulad ng pagkain, PPE, testing, gamot, at pati na psycho-social support ang binibigay niya. Pinupuno pa niya tayong lahat ng pag-asa sa kanyang walang-kapagurang pagserbisyo,” he added.
(She is like a mother. More than for the urgent needs like food, PPE, testing, medicines, and even psycho-social support. Her tireless service also fills us with hope.)
At present, Robredo has yet to announce her decision to join the 2022 presidential race. But on Wednesday, Office of the Vice President (OVP) spokesperson Barry Gutierrez said Robredo is nearing her deadline, with the support of the grassroots movements being considered.
Robredo said she is open to possibilities, including running for president or for a local position. One primary consideration, she said, is what is be the best scenario for the opposition.
READ: Robredo still open to run for president in 2022
READ: Local political party pledges support to Robredo if she runs for CamSur governor
Like Robredo, Pangilinan said he is also looking to unite the opposition and field a single candidate for the 2022 elections. But the senator stressed that it should be Robredo who would run for president.
“Walang drama. Walang pulitika. Serbisyo lang. Ganyan si VP Leni (No drama. No politics. Just service. That is VP Leni),” he said.
“Sa kanyang pagbigay sa atin ng inspirasyon, mas i-inspire pa natin siya ng ating suporta. Kausapin natin ang mga kamag-anak at kaibigan at pursigihing makumbinsi siyang magpasiya para sa ikabubuti ng ating kalusugan, ng ating kinabukasan, ng ating mga anak,” he added.
(As she gives us inspiration, let’s inspire her more with our support. Let’s gather our own small social networks and work to convince her to decide what’s best for our health, our future, our children.)
Last Friday, representatives of the LGBTQIA+ for Leni, expressed support for the Vice President’s capability, believing that she will usher in reforms for their sector.
Other groups pushing for Robredo’s presidential bid include the Lawyers for Leni and the Alliance of Labor Leaders for Leni.
Last Wednesday, Team Leni Robredo said multi-sectoral and cause-oriented groups in Bulacan have also formed the Bulacan for Leni.
Teachers and a movement formed in Quezon called Quezon for Leni are also asking Robredo to join the presidential race
READ: Groups in Quezon launch campaign to urge Robredo to run for president
READ: ‘Teachers for Leni’ urges Robredo to seek presidency