Leni Robredo desires not power but unity with other candidates for the welfare of the Philippines
Leni Robredo said that the unity she initiated with various political groups was not about garnering support for her candidacy. It is more about identifying if candidates share the same principles and views about the current government.
For the country’s welfare
In Leni’s speech on Thursday, she announced her intention to run for president in the 2022 polls. Subsequently, she explained that there were invites for her to just join a particular coalition or candidate.
Nevertheless, she made clear that she was not discussing things to get their nod for her candidacy. Instead, her focus revolved around the country’s welfare.
“Nitong mga nakaraang linggo, nakipagpulong tayo sa iba’t ibang mga personalidad. Nilinaw ko sa kanila: Handa akong magbigay-daan at tumulong na lang. May alok din silang sumanib na lang ako bilang kandidato, o bilang bahagi ng kanilang administrasyon sakaling manalo sila.”
(These past few weeks, we had meetings with different personalities. I made it clear to them that I am willing to make way and just help. They also offered me to join them as a candidate or a part of their administration if they win.)
“Ang tugon ko, hindi ito tungkol sa posisyon; hindi tayo nakikipag-usap para makipag-transaksyon. Ang pinakamahalaga, magkaisa kami. Sa prinsipyo, sa pangarap para sa bansa, at sa landas na dapat tahakin tungo sa katuparan ng mga ito.”
(My response to that, this is not about the position; we are not in the talks with them to have a transaction. The most important thing is we unite. In principle, dreams for the country, and ways we need to take to make them happen.)
Once again, Leni emphasized that the focus of candidates must not be about winning. Of course, it is on how to make people’s lives easier amid the crisis brought by the pandemic.
“Nilinaw ko rin: Buhay at kinabukasan ng Pilipino ang pinag-uusapan natin ngayon. Pinipilahan ang mga ospital, dumadaing ang mga health workers, at nagugutom ang mga nawalan ng trabaho.”
(I also made clear that we’re talking about the lives and future of the Filipino people. Hospitals are congested, health workers are calling for help, and those who lost their jobs are hungry.)
“Samantala, bilyon-bilyong piso ang inilagay sa mga kuwestiyonableng kontrata habang milyon-milyong Pilipino ang naghihikahos.”
(Meanwhile, billions of Philippine Pesos were put in questionable contracts as millions of Filipinos are suffering.)
Talks are over
Prior to Thursday, Robredo was keen on building an opposition coalition. She was talking to other candidates including Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, and Senators Panfilo Lacson and Manny Pacquiao.
However, it appeared talks failed as all three have already filed their certificates of candidacy for president.
On Wednesday, Lacson and his running mate, Senate President Tito Sotto III, said that unity talks are over. No agreement was reached between their side and Robredo’s. Certainly, this is for the better.
Leni earlier ended months of speculations. She announced her intention to run for president as she aspires to end the people’s suffering.
According to her, the country would be at a disadvantage if people with personalities similar to the present kind of governance win in the 2022 national elections.
All for good governance
This is true, considering how people choose their candidates. They don’t look at their credentials and intentions, but mere influence and personality. That’s how low the standards of the Filipinos are when it comes to politicians.
To sum it up, I think it’s quite clear who to vote for in the presidential elections. A person who doesn’t run for power but to serve the people and the country. That should be your candidate, don’t you think so?
After all, public officials run to do just that — to serve — not to be idolized. Vote because you want to change, not because you are a fan. We’re talking about our future here. We’re not joining a fandom.
People who vote for Leni most likely will have the capacity to criticize her if she does something questionable. They are not fans but for good governance. And that’s our job as citizens of this country.
