MANILA, Philippines—The hashtag #LabanLeni2022 and #WithdrawIsko topped Philippine trends on Twitter on Thursday (Oct. 7) shortly after Vice President Leni Robredo announced that she was taking a plunge into the presidential race next year.
Robredo, chosen as presidential candidate by opposition coalition 1Sambayan, announced her intention to run for president from her office in New Manila, Quezon City.
Supporters took to Twitter their encouragement with the hashtag #LabanLeni2022. About an hour after her announcement, the hashtag gathered over 150,000 tweets.
“Finally, we have someone deserving for the presidential post,” said one netizen.
“Wearing pink today 4 my president,” said another.
“I’m living for these!! LALABAN TAYO!,” another said.
The #LabanLeni2022 was later overtaken by #WithdrawIsko on Twitter.
Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso, who has already filed his candidacy for president early this week, has been urged to unite with Robredo to fight whoever would be fielded by President Rodrigo Duterte.
“For everyone’s sake, mag VP ka na lang ni Madam Leni. I think that will be better,” said one netizen.
“Step down to VP pls,” said another.
An Inquirer report said that Robredo, however, has picked Liberal Party leader and Sen. Francis Pangilinan as her running mate, according to sources.