Vice President Leni Robredo (Photo from Robredo’s Facebook page.)
MANILA, Philippines — The progression of the people’s campaign into a crusade, according to presidential candidate and Vice President Leni Robredo, means that the time for a rotten brand of politics is running out.
During the grand rally held by supporters of Robredo and her running mate Senator Francis Pangilinan on Friday in Iloilo City, the Vice President assured that their concerted efforts would lead to more people being encouraged to speak out — and eventually change the prevailing brand of politics.
“Dadagsa pa ang mga tao sa kalsada, hahaba pa ang parada ng mga bisikleta, dadami pa ang magsusulat sa cartolina gamit ang pentel pen gaya ng ginagawa niyo ngayon; mag-aambagan, patuloy na magkakaisa,” Robredo said.
“At (sa) patuloy at sama-sama nating pagtindig, bilang na po ang oras ng luma at bulok na uri ng pulitika. Hindi niyo ba nahahalata, ang atin pong People’s Campaign ay nagiging krusada na — kaya ang aking mga kasimanwa, upod kita, lakat na, dag-on tana ini (kaya aking mga kasama, tara na, tayo na),” she added.
Even before Robredo announced her bid for the presidency, a number of grassroots organizations have encouraged her to pursue the country’s highest office.
Over time, more groups expressed support for Robredo’s candidacy, with various chapters extending assistance to her campaign team.
Despite the growing support, Robredo reminded her supporters that more problems may arise as the election season progresses.
Her her trust in the Filipino people — and Ilonggos in particular — makes her feel confident that they can address things thrown their way — including negative propaganda.
“Asahan po nating titindi pa ang pagdadaanan natin sa darating na dalawa’t kalahating buwan. Pero buong-buo ang tiwala ko sa mga Ilonggo, buo din ang paniniwala ko sa mga Pilipino. Tatapatan po natin ang anumang hamon, nang pinagbigkis nating lakas,” she said.
Edsa anniversary message
Robredo on the 36th anniversary of the People Power Revolution visited Iloilo, which historically has been voting in favor of the opposition, being a stronghold of groups against the late former president Ferdinand Marcos.
According to her, the anniversary of the peaceful revolution should serve as a reminder that through a united effort grounded on truth and justice, the Marcos administration came to an end.
Marcos’ son, former senator Bongbong Marcos, is likewise seeking the presidency in 2022, and has been the constant frontrunner according to latest surveys.
“Ngayong araw mismo, mas maigting ang katotohanang ito dahil ipinagdiriwang natin ang anibersaryo ng People Power Revolution — naaalala ko po no’ng 1986, marami sa inyo hindi pa buhay, ang pagtindig at pagkakaisa ng taumbayan para wakasan ang pang-aabuso ng diktadurya […] naaalala ko ang pagkakapit bisig para madaig ang takot at pangamba,” Robredo said.
“Ganito pong enerhiya ang muli nating binubuhay ngayon, ganitong lakas ang muli ninyong ginigising. At sa pagwagi natin sa Mayo, bibitbitin natin ang mga aral ng nakaraang 36 na taon na pinakamatibay ang pagkakaisa kung nakatungtong ito sa katotohanan at hustisya,” she added.
Robredo’s media staff said that over 40,000 individuals went to join the grand rally at the Iloilo Sports Complex — one of the biggest crowds that the Vice President attracted since the official campaign period.
She, however, may be in for an uphill battle. According to a recent survey from Pulse Asia, if elections were held last January, Marcos would get 60 percent of the votes while Robredo would only have 16 percent.
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