MANILA, Philippines — Nearly 100 former Cabinet members, senior officials, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chiefs, and top diplomats who served under former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III’s administration expressed their support for presidential aspirant Vice President Leni Robredo.
“We are former Cabinet members, senior government officials, former chiefs of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, retired Ambassadors, and career civil servants who served under various administrations, most particularly that of President Benigno S. Aquino III. We believe that in the May 2022 elections, the Filipino people will make a choice that will shape our future and that of future generations,” they said in a joint statement on Tuesday.
“We commit ourselves fully to Vice President Leni Robredo’s bid for the presidency to lead the Philippines on an upward path of recovery and greatness. We thus enjoin the Filipino people to give our country the leader that we all deserve,” they added.
Our enduring confidence in the leadership of Vice-President Leni Robredo to lead us and our country for the next six years. pic.twitter.com/37LgBPEo83
— Edwin Lacierda (@dawende) February 1, 2022
In their statement, the Aquino officials stressed the need for a “competent” and “experienced” president, who will also be “committed to the principles of integrity, democracy, and genuine public service.”
“A leadership with a vision of greatness, prosperity, independence and self-respect for our country and our people; A leadership that is inclusive and consultative and that will respond to criticism with an openness to dialogue,” they said.
Furthermore, they said the country needs its next leader to ensure the safety and well-being of all Filipinos “while respecting human rights and the rule of law and where law enforcers thus evoke trust and a sense of security.”
“A leadership that is committed to protecting our national sovereignty and one that earns the respect of the community of nations. Leadership that takes charge in a crisis – one that is capable, decisive, and able to lead by example,” the former officials added.
“A leadership that is committed to serving the people with empathy and compassion – one that listens, one that is able to be with the poor, the voiceless, and the weary. A leadership that is committed to what is right and true, and one that runs an honest and responsive government that inspires confidence and pride,” they also said.
‘Best candidate’
The former officials said they believe Robredo is the “best candidate” who “embodies these aspirations,” citing her “solid” track record in public service.
They said she “possesses all the qualities of an ideal Chief Executive and Commander in Chief of our Armed Forces.”
Among the 95 Aquino officials who signed the statement of include former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas, Robredo’s presidential running mate in 2016, and former budget secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad.
Former Justice Secretary and incumbent senator Leila de Lima as well as Aquino’s spokespersons, Edwin Lacierda and Abigail Valte, also signed the statement.
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