Escudero, Trillanes on Leni: She is ‘qualified’ for higher office

Senators  Francis  “Chiz” Escudero and Antonio Trillanes IV on Monday welcomed the  decision of  Camarines Sur Representative Leni Robredo to join the  2016 vice presidential  race, both saying she was “qualified” to run for a higher post. 

“Rep. Leni Robredo is qualified and has every right to offer herself for higher office,” Escudero, running mate  of Senator Grace Poe,  said in a statement.

READ: ‘Ang mabuti ang parating mananaig’: Leni Robredo makes bid for VP

“I wish her well and I look forward to exchanging views and platforms that will serve the best interests of our country and people with her and the others who have expressed their intention to run for higher office,”   he added.

Escudero issued the statement shortly after  Robredo declared on Monday morning that she  will run as former Secretary Mar Roxas’ candidate for vice  president in  2016. 

Robredo, widow of  the late Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo, will join  Escudero,  Trillanes and  Senator Alan Peter Cayetano  in the vice presidential race next year.  

Trillanes , in a  separate statement,  said  Robredo  was  not only  a “highly  qualified” candidate  but also a “very gracious lady,” who has sacrificed a lot for the country.

“We welcome the  entry of  Congressman Leni Robredo into the VP race. She is not only a highly qualified candidate but also a very gracious lady [who] has sacrificed a lot for our country,”  Trillanes said in a text message.

This report was updated at 1:23 pm to include the Trillanes statement.

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