Vice President Leni Robredo (left) and Senator Kiko Pangilinan.
MANILA, Philippines — Efforts and initiatives to pair Vice President Leni Robredo with another vice presidential candidate are aimed at disrupting the opposition camps’ campaign, Robredo’s running mate Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan said.
Pangilinan said people should abandon calls for a Robredo – Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte tandem — dubbed as “Ro-Sa”
“‘Yong ROSA, paliku-liko ‘yun eh. Harapan na nga natin babanggain itong pwersa na nais nating talunin tapos merong paliku-liko kung saan-saan dinadala,” he said after swearing in 157 new Liberal Party members in Cagayan de Oro City.
Pangilinan said that he remains confident that his advocacies, principles and programs match those of Robredo.
“Hindi tayo sang-ayon din doon pero panatag ang loob ko, around 30 years na ang aming advocacies ni Vice President Leni mula pa noong ako’y batang abogado na single. Abugado na ako ng mahihirap. Ganun din si Vice President Leni. Our tandem and our basis of unity, Vice President and myself, is really based on principles,” Pangilinan explained.
“Kaya ako’y panatag na itong mga maniobra ng mga pulitiko ay hindi yan magtatagumpay at hindi matitinag ang aming samahan ni Vice President Leni dahil iisa ang aming paninindigan at prinsipyo spanning many decades,” he added.
Over the past few weeks, Robredo has been paired by some of her supporters — including key officials like Albay 2nd District Rep. Joey Salceda and Cagayan de Oro 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez — with Duterte-Carpio, whois the running mate of former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
Davao del Norte 1st District Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez, who recently withdrew his support for Senator Panfilo Lacson in favor of Robredo said his group is supporting Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III’s vice presidential bid.
Another vice presidential candidate, Rizalito David also said that he is willing to take a step back and form a grand coalition for the Robredo-Sotto tandem.
Despite the odds, Pangilinan remains confident about his chances, saying that large crowds at Robredo-Pangilinan rallies are indicative of the support they have been getting.
Robredo meantime assured supporters that it has been clear that Pangilinan has, and will always be her running mate.
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