Catriona Gray approves Robredo-Pangilinan tandem for 2022 elections
Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray approved Vice President Leni Robredo‘s presidential bid, as well as Robredo’s running mate Senator Kiko Pangilinan. She declared her support in a video that debuted on her Youtube page Monday evening, April 18.
“A long-serving public servant, effective legislator authoring 79 laws, and active advocate for the agricultural sector, education, and national welfare. My vote for vice president is Kiko Pangilinan. And my choice for president is Leni Robredo,” she addressed.
Furthermore, she clearly stated her reasons behind the endorsement for the vice president. “She’s the only candidate with experience in all three branches of our government. Judiciary as a volunteer lawyer, legislative as a congresswoman, and executive as a vice president.”
Catriona also expressed that the pandemic response is a huge indicator of the capabilities of those in leadership. She believes that one of the most competent responses during the global pandemic was that under the stewardship of the Office of the Vice President.
In the first part of the almost-15 minute video, she admitted that she usually shies away from the topic of politics. However, she stated that as she deepens her sense of nationalism to partake as a citizen of a democratic society. “I am merely a Filipino wanting to make the best vote for the future of my country,” Catriona said.
Moreover, she acknowledged the essence of being a Filipino with a platform, embodying a sense of responsibility.
Catriona also shared the five qualities that she determined to look for in a leader, namely “qualified, history, service platform, and values.” She pointed out that these qualities speak a lot to the capabilities, character, and values of and values of an individual.
The beauty queen emphasized the role of being qualified through the background of the candidate. She stated that this could be through their educational attainment and or employment history.
“Holding many different positions within an organization, our government body, etc, doesn’t automatically make for the best leader. But it can be a great indicator of an individual’s experience and knowledge that they can bring to the table,” she said.
She also expounded that the public can look at what achievements and developments they were able to achieve. “What do their previous positions reveal about their experience, views, and skillsets,” she added.
Moreover, she stressed that the election period is a period of promises. With this, she suggested looking at how have they already planted the seeds of that vision within their own positions that they’ve held in the past.
Catriona also voiced out that the right president should be accountable. Further, she indicated that a leader should handle different issues thrown at them.
Message of encouragement
In the video, she shared a message of encouragement for the Filipino voters this upcoming 2022 elections.
“If you’re sitting there and you’re overwhelmed or maybe even undecided on where your vote lies, that’s completely fine. You still have time. Just take the intentional time to research, to learn, to listen, and then to think of yourself.”
Catriona encouraged the public to align with the candidate that they feel is the best for the Philippines. As she highlighted, “there is power in the single vote—never allow anyone to make you believe otherwise.”
“To those of you like me who have access to various sources of information, let’s not shy away from sharing it and talking about it. We need to normalize talk around politics and create more safe spaces to do so,” she added.
Catriona joins other beauty queens, such as Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach and Miss International 2016 Kylie Verzosa, in endorsing Robredo.
More celebrities also support the tandem for the national elections this May 9, 2022.
