Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo. CDN FILE PHOTO/LITO TECSON
Camarines Sur representative Leni Robredo on Tuesday explained that she does not seriously consider running for vice president because she lacks the experience for such an “important” position.
“Sa palagay ko ‘yung VP, masyado siyang mahalagang posisyon, masyado siyang malaki para sa isang tulad ko na nagsisimula pa lamang,” Robredo said in an interview on ABS-CBN newscast “Bandila.”
(I believe that the vice presidency is too important, too big for a neophyte like me.)
“Dalawang taon pa lang naman ako public servant. Parang lahat ng karanasan ko before akong naging congresswoman by osmosis lang lahat dahil sa asawa ko na matagal na matagal na nanilbihan. Pero ‘yung karanasan ko mismo halos dalawang taon pa lamang. Palagay ko ‘yung vice presidency, napakalalim at napakalaking responsibilidad na baka mas kailangan du’n ng isang tao na mas mahaba na ang karanasan, na mas malalim na ‘yung pagkaintindi,” she added.
(I have only been a public service for two years. All my experiences before I became a congresswoman were by osmosis only with the help of my husband who was a long-time public servant. But my own experience has been only two years. In my opinion, the vice presidency is a profound and big responsibility that may require the experience of someone who has more experience and vaster understanding.)
Robredo is the wife of Jesse Robredo, the late former Interior secretary, who died in a plane crash in 2012.
She also said that her children are not in favor of her seeking a higher post.
READ: Robredo daughters don’t want Leni to run for VP or senator
“…Ayaw talaga ng mga anak ko. ‘Pag pinaguusapan lang siya, kahit inaassure ko sila na hanggang balita lang ‘yan, parang nakakastress talaga sa kanila,” she said.
(My children don’t want me to. Even when we are just talking about it and even if I assure them that it’s all just reports, they get stressed.)
She said that others like Batangas Governor Vilma Santos-Recto, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, whose names have been floated around as possible running-mate of Liberal Party standard-bearer Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II, are more qualified for the position than her.
READ: Leni Robredo not keen as Roxas’ VP
Re-election or senate
Robredo said that right now, she is mulling running for re-election or seeking a seat in Senate.
“Kaya ngayon, medyo umiikot ako. Lahat ng imbitasyon, kung kaya naman puntahan basta hindi nakakasagabal sa trabaho, pinagbibigyan, kasi sabi nila parang kelangan mo din i-test ang waters,” said Robredo who admitted being aware that she lags in the latest senatorial surveys.
(That’s why I am going around the country. Whenever I can go and as long as it does not impede the performance of my duty, I accept invitations because I have been told that I also need to test the waters.)
She said that her performance in the surveys will be the barometer for her decision whether she would run for senator or seek re-election.
READ: Robredo more interested in Senate than VP post
“Siguro susubukan basta ‘yung numbers ko encouraging. Kung masyadong malayo, du’n na lang ako sa amin. Mas mabuti din na mas sigurado ‘yung pagkakataon na makatulong ka ulit kaysa ‘yung malaki masyado ‘yung risks,” she explained.
(I will try (my luck in senate) as long as my numbers are encouraging. If I lag behind by a lot, then I will stay in my district. It’s better to go for the option that will give me a bigger chance to help than go for the other one that is too risky.) Ivan Angelo L. de Lara