Robredo slams Bongbong, rivals in Boy Abunda’s interview

Vice President Robredo delivers a critique of Bongbong Marcos.

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Leni Robredo warned Filipinos against voting for Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. as he is a “liar” and doesn’t show up in difficult times.

Robredo made these remarks during the presidential candidate interview with Boy Abunda on Wednesday when asked why voters should not vote for her fellow candidates.

“Number one, sinungaling. Pangalawa, in the difficult moments, hindi siya nagpapakita,” she said when asked about Marcos.

(Number one, a liar. Second, he avoids difficult situations by staying away.)

In response to whether Filipinos should elect her, Robredo said that women like her have been instrumental in times of crisis, for instance, in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Roberto noted that women showed leadership skills during earlier crises and the current crisis, and at OVP, they handled several situations to the best of their abilities.

Both Marcos and Robredo will battle in the 2022 national elections, six years after their vice presidential race, which Robredo won by a sliver of a margin. According to the latest Pulse Asia survey, Marcos would win if the elections were held from December 1 to 6, grabbing 53 percent of the votes.

Robredo was a far second, with 20 percent of the respondents picking her.

READ: Pulse Asia’s December survey: Marcos and Duterte-Carpio team is top choice 

In a text message to INQUIRER.net on Wednesday after the interview, lawyer Vic Rodriguez, Marcos’ chief-of-staff, said that the former senator opted for unity among Filipinos instead of bickering.

“What presidential aspirant Bongbong Marcos is offering to the Filipino people is his unifying brand of leadership. He does not and will not engage in negative and hateful campaigning,” Rodriguez said.

Later in the interview, Robredo was asked why Filipinos should not vote for the other presidential candidates.

As for Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, she said the Manila mayor is unclear about many things.

Robredo said Senator Panfilo Lacson Lacson talks a lot but doesn’t do the groundwork.

READ: ‘I can’t take that sitting down!’ Sotto defends Lacson after Robredo comment

When Abunda asked why people should not vote for Pacquiao, Robredo took a brief pause before saying that sometimes, a good attitude is not enough to get elected as president.

“Ito malungkot ito, pero ‘yong kabutihan ng loob kasi sa atin hindi sapat,” she added.

(Sadly, acts of kindness aren’t enough.)

abc/MUF/abc