Liberal Party chairman President Benigno S. Aquino III attends the “Daang Matuwid: To Be Continued…” of the ruling Liberal Party at the Corazon C. Aquino Kalayaan Hall of the Club Filipino in San Juan City on Monday (October 05, 2015). Also in photo are LP Presidential Candidate former DILG Secretary Manuel Roxas II and LP Vice Presidential Candidate Camarines Sur 3rd District Representative Maria Leonor Robredo.(MNS photo)
MANILA (Mabuhay) – Vice-presidential candidate Leni Robredo said Thursday that she is content being Mar Roxas’ running mate in the 2016 elections, even if she was not the first choice.
Robredo said she is honored that she was even considered by the Liberal Party (LP) as its vice presidential bet despite her initial reluctance to run.
“It’s still a privilege and honor to be considered for this post. All those who have been considered have been preparing for a national post for a very long time. Ako lang yata ‘yung walang ganoong preparation,” the Camarines Sur representative said.
“I always believe in fate, that everything will fall into place eventually if it is meant to be. It doesn’t really matter if I was the second choice or the last choice. ‘Yung pakiramdam na we have obligations bigger than ourselves, hindi mo na maiisip kung pang-ilang choice ka.”
The LP initially considered presidential candidate Senator Grace Poe and Batangas Governor Vilma Santos as Roxas’ running mate before finally pursuing Robredo.
Robredo also admitted that she would have to double her efforts to boost her standing in pre-election surveys, opposite other more popular vice presidential bets.
“I am fully aware of the fact na out of all the contenders, ako ‘yung pinaka-hindi kilala. I haven’t gone through any national elections yet, kahit ‘yung asawa ko. Wala akong resources, wala akong anything kaya siguro dodoblehin ‘yung sipag,” Robredo said.
“I realize that I have to introduce myself to the entire country, marami pang hindi nakakakilala sa akin.”
Despite being at a disadvantage, Robredo is confident that she can set herself apart from rivals with her long years of service in the local government.
“I’m a representative now of my district. Matagal akong nagtrabaho sa NGO na nakikilahok sa mga basehang sektor at mahihirap. Palagay ko, I will be a good match to Secretary Mar Roxas kasi ‘yung puso talaga sa grassroots, andoon. Ito ‘yung puso na borne out of working with them at palagay ko ito ‘yung nagbibigay ng lalim,” she said.
Robredo also assured that Camarines Sur will not slide back to patronage politics as she leaves her current post, reasoning that change in the mindset of her constituents have opened doors for reformist politicians.(MNS)