Former UN officers from PH back Robredo’s presidential bid

Vice President Leni Robredo (file photo)

MANILA, Philippines — Over 200 Filipino former officers and workers at the United Nations (UN) and its attached agencies are backing Vice President Leni Robredo’s presidential bid, saying that the candidate is capable of leading the country towards transformative changes.

In a joint statement released to local media, the former UN officers and workers — including those who have worked for attached agencies like the  United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the World Health Organization — said that Robredo’s platform includes priority issues that the country must address immediately.

 “We believe in her program of government that will take us Filipinos to the right path of transformative change.  It encompasses the priority issues and concerns of our country: health care, food security, education and digital technology, poverty and social protection, justice and human rights, gender equality, environment protection, job creation, economic recovery, and not least, national sovereignty,” the 207 former UN workers said.

The group likewise said that they share Robredo’s commitment to use the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ruling in 2016, which stated that the Philippines enjoys exclusive rights to the West Philippine Sea, and that China’s nine-dash line claim has no historical and legal basis.

 “Having worked with the UN, we subscribe to the application of international law and thus fully endorse her efforts to move forward with the decision of the [PCA] on the settlement of disputes under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS),” they explained.

 “With support of the multilateral, bilateral and ASEAN partners, the productive use of the West Philippine Sea can be ensured and our country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty will be upheld,” they added.

COVID-19 response 

The group also noted of Robredo’s track record — and her response to the COVID-19 pandemic which was to tap the private sector and provide aid while working with a limited budget.

“Her courage to stand up for the truth, for what is right for the country and our people inspires all of us. Her unblemished record of accountability and simple lifestyle speaks of her trustworthiness and humility,” they said.

 “Her genuine concern for people’s well-being and empowerment will be the beacon for her governance as president,” the group added.

 Economists’ endorsement

The endorsement is the latest that Robredo received, after getting support from over 130 economists, who said that the Vice President’s sound economic platform is needed to help the country recover from its economic problems brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.

 Similarly, retired chief justice Hilario Davide Jr. said that Robredo and her running mate, Senator Francis Pangilinan, compose the best tandem he has seen since the former magistrate started voting in 1957.

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