MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Leni Robredo on Thursday said that the unity talks she initiated with the various political groups were not about garnering support for her candidacy, but more about identifying if candidates share the same principles and views about the current government.
In Robredo’s speech on Thursday where she announced her intention to run for president in the 2022 polls, she explained that there were invites for her to just join a particular coalition or candidate.
However, she clarified that she was not discussing things to get their nod for her candidacy, as her focus revolved around the country’s welfare.
“Nitong mga nakaraang linggo, nakipagpulong tayo sa iba’t ibang mga personalidad. Nilinaw ko sa kanila: Handa akong magbigay-daan at tumulong na lang. May alok din silang sumanib na lang ako bilang kandidato, o bilang bahagi ng kanilang administrasyon sakaling manalo sila,” Robredo said.
(Over the past few weeks, we met with different individuals. I made it clear: I am ready to give way and to simply help. They also offered to join forces — as a candidate, or as part of their administration if they succeed.)
“Ang tugon ko, hindi ito tungkol sa posisyon; hindi tayo nakikipag-usap para makipag-transaksyon. Ang pinakamahalaga, magkaisa kami — sa prinsipyo, sa pangarap para sa bansa, at sa landas na dapat tahakin tungo sa katuparan ng mga ito,” she added.
(My reply: This is not about positions; this is not a mere transaction. The important thing is to unite — to align along with principles, along with our shared dreams for the country, and the path that must be taken to achieve these.)
She again insisted that the focus of candidates must not be about winning, but on how to make people’s lives easier amid the crisis brought by the pandemic.
“Nilinaw ko rin: Buhay at kinabukasan ng Pilipino ang pinag-uusapan natin ngayon. Pinipilahan ang mga ospital, dumadaing ang mga health workers, at nagugutom ang mga nawalan ng trabaho,” Robredo explained.
(I have likewise clarified: What matters is the lives and future of Filipinos. Hospitals are filled to capacity, health workers are calling for a timeout, the jobless are going hungry.)
“Samantala, bilyon-bilyong piso ang inilagay sa mga kuwestiyonableng kontrata habang milyon-milyong Pilipino ang naghihikahos,” she added.
(Meanwhile, billions upon billions of pesos went into questionable contracts while millions of Filipinos struggle.)
Prior to Thursday, Robredo was keen on building an opposition coalition, talking to other candidates including Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, and Senators Panfilo Lacson and Manny Pacquiao.
However, it appeared talks failed as all three have already filed their certificates of candidacy (COCs) for president.
On Wednesday, after filing their COCs, Lacson and his running mate Senate President Vicente Sotto III said that unity talks are over as no agreement was reached between their side and Robredo’s.
READ: No turning back: Sotto says opposition unity talks over after no agreement reached
Robredo earlier ended months of speculations, announcing her intention to run for president as she aspires to end the people’s sufferings.
According to Robredo, the country would be at a disadvantage if people with personalities similar to the present kind of governance win in the 2022 national elections.
Robredo earlier ended months of speculations, announcing her intention to run for president as she aspires to end the people’s sufferings.
According to Robredo, the country would be at a disadvantage if people with personalities similar to the present kind of governance win in the 2022 national elections.
READ: ‘Buong-buo ang loob ko’: Robredo to run for president in 2022
