‘Not entitled to anything’: Robredo says she’ll work hard to get Cebuanos’ support

CEBU CITY – She may have won by a huge margin in Cebu in 2016, but Vice President Leni Robredo is not taking any chances as she runs for the country’s top post in next year’s elections.

“Cebu is very important. It is one of the biggest provinces in the country. Although I won here in 2016, I am not entitled to anything. I have to work hard to get the support of the Cebuanos,” she said in an interview after the blessing and inauguration of her headquarters in Cebu City last November 12.

She did not make any meetings with politicians in Cebu.

Robredo admitted that the journey has been different compared to how she campaigned in 2016 when she was an administration candidate.

This time, she said the campaign is led by the people themselves.

“The passion of the volunteers make up for what we do not have [referring to the support of local chief executives],” said Robredo.

Robredo dropped by the Archbishop’s Residence to pay a courtesy visit to Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma.

She later on went to talk with non-governmental organizations at the Pagtambayayong Foundation.

Robredo also attended the blessing and inauguration of her campaign headquarters in uptown Cebu City. Cebu businessman Augusto Go was present during the inauguration.

Robredo then went to the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño before meeting with youth groups at the Magellan’s Cross park.

“The support of the Cebuanos is very overwhelming. Ever since I became vice president, I have been visiting Cebu every now and then for some projects,” she said.

Cebu city and province has been critical for all politicians seeking national positions.

Based on the data of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), Cebu province has at least 3.3 million voters, making it the most vote-rich province in the country.

In the 2016 vice presidential elections, Robredo received 817,052 votes while former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. got 310,054 votes.

Asked who is the more difficult presidential opponent in 2022, Robredo did not choose any of the two.

“We only focus our attention on our bid for the presidency. As far as my camp is concerned, our focus is clear,” she said.