MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Leni Robredo on Thursday vowed to give her all as she embarks on a bigger battle for the presidency in the 2022 elections.
“Anim na taon na ang nakaraan, tinanggap ko ang hamon na tumakbo sa pagka-bise presidente. Ngayon, sasabak tayo sa mas malaking laban,” Robredo said in a speech after she announced her presidential bid.
(Six years ago, I accepted the challenge to run for vice president. Now, we are bracing for a bigger battle.)
“Panata ko ngayon, ibubuhos ko nang buong-buo ang aking lakas, hindi lang hanggang sa halalan, kundi hanggang sa mga natitirang araw ko para ipaglaban ang Pilipinas ng ating mga pangarap,” she added.
(I vow today that I will give my all, not only for the elections, but also in my remaining days, to fight for the Philippines that we dream of.)
After months of anticipation and speculation, Robredo has thrown her hat into the ring for the presidential race in next year’s elections.
In declaring her bid, the vice president envisioned a country led by a government that is truthful, accountable and puts the interest of Filipinos first.
“Isang lipunan kung saan kapag nagbanat ka ng buto, kapag ginawa mo ang lahat ng kaya mo, makakaasa ka ginhawa at pagasenso. Kung saan pag may nadapa, may sasalo sa ‘yo, may aakay sa ‘yo patayo,” she added.
(A society where if you work hard and do your best, you can expect comfort and success. A society where if someone falls, someone will catch them and help them get back on their feet.)
“Kung saan ang mga plano para sa edukasyon, transportasyon, pagkain, kalusugan, katarungang panlipunan ay naipapatupad dahil may gobyernong matino at mahusay. Gobyernong tapat at may pananagutan. Gobyernong tunay na inuuna ang interes ng taumbayan,” she further said.
(A society where plans for education, transportation, food, health, and justice are implemented because we have a government that is decent and effective. A government that is truthful and accountable. A government that prioritizes the interest of Filipinos.)
But Robredo pointed out that there should be steps taken to achieve this kind of future for the country.
“Hindi ito maaabot sa pagwawalang kibo. Kapag may nangyayaring hindi tama, hindi ito pwedeng iasa sa iba, habang nanonood ka lang. Hindi pwedeng pumikit na lang at umasang pagdilat natin, nagbago na ang mundo,” Robredo stressed.
(This will not happen with mere silence. If something wrong is happening, we cannot depend on others while we watch. We cannot just turn a blind eye and hope that when we open our eyes, the world has already changed.)
“Ang kinabukasan, pinipili, pinagsisiskapan, ipinaglalaban. Kailangan nating piliing humakbang. Heto ako ngayon, humahakbang. Ipaglalaban ko kayo hanggang dulo, itataya ko ang lahat,” she added.
(We must choose, work hard for, and fight for our future. We need to choose to take a step. I am here now, taking a step. I will fight for you until the end, I will give everything I have.)
The vice president then urged Filipinos to stand together to steer the country into a direction that is just and humane.
“Kung saan ang bawat Pilipino ay may pagkakataong umasenso, kung saan ang lakas ng bawat isa ay nagiging nagkakaisang lakas ng lahat,” she said.
(Where every Filipino has the chance to succeed, where the strength of each and everyone of use becomes collective strength.)
“Lakas na dadaig sa anumang krisis, anumang hapon. Lakas na magiging simula ng ating kolektibong pagbangon. Buong-buo ang tiwala ko, magtatagumpay tayo,” she added.
(Strength that can withstand any crisis, any challenge. Strength that will lift us up. I have complete trust that we will succeed.)
