MANILA, Philippines – Vice President Leni Robredo officially confirmed her candidacy for the presidency in the 2022 national elections on Thursday, October 7, after months of speculation and with only a day remaining to file certificates of candidacy.
According to her spokeswoman, Barry Gutierrez, the opposition leader is running as an independent candidate. Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan has been confirmed as her running mate.
During a speech at her office in the Quezon City Reception House, Robredo claimed that she is now prepared to end the heartless governance in Dutertes administration.
“Naniniwala ako ang pag-ibig nasusukat hindi lang sa pagtitiis, kundi sa kahandaang lumaban, kahit gaano kahirap, para matapos na ang pagtitiis. Ang nagmamahal, kailangangang ipaglaban ang minamahal,” Robredo said.
She didn’t want to run at first, but she felt it was time to replace the corrupt, incompetent, and heartless government with efficient and good leader.
“Buong-buo ang loob ko ngayon: Kailangan nating palayain ang sarili mula sa kasalukuyang situwasyon. Lalaban ako; lalaban tayo. Inihahain ko ang aking sarili bilang kandidato sa pagkapangulo sa halalan ng 2022,” VP said.
Unlike other strong aspirants, Robredo admits she lacks the resources. She, on the other hand, asked her followers to raise their voices in favor of her campaign. Despite their limited resources, she said they can make people aware of her office’s efforts to assist Filipinos, particularly during the pandemic.
“Ang kinabukasan, pinipili, pinagsisikapan, ipinaglalaban. Kailangan nating piliing humakbang. Heto ako ngayon, humahakbang. Ipaglalaban ko kayo hanggang dulo. Itataya ko ang lahat; ibubuhos ko ang lahat na kayang ibuhos,” she said.
“Malinaw sa lahat ang hamon na kinakaharap natin, nakita na nating lahat ang pagsisinungaling at panggigipit na kayang gawin ng iba para maabot ang mga layunin nila. Nasa kanila ang pera, makinarya, isang buong istrukturang kayang magpalaganap ng anumang kwentong gusto nilang palabasin. Pero hindi kayang tabunan ng kahit anumang ingay ang katotohanan. Kung parehong uri ng pamamahala at pareho ang pagkatao ng mga magwawagi sa araw ng halalan, wala tayong aasahang pagbabago. Dito tayo po-posisyon,” she added.
Her decision put an end to months of speculation about whether she will run for president, seek a local position, or leave politics altogether. This also indicated that Robredo has agreed to accept the opposition alliance 1Sambayan’s nomination as their presidential candidate in the forthcoming elections.
#COCFiling for the #NLE2022 Day 7: Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo files COC for President, Independent pic.twitter.com/IoFGZWFy88
— COMELEC (@COMELEC) October 7, 2021
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