PRESIDENTIAL candidate and Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo recognized that she will need to work twice as hard to convince Cebuanos to vote for her in next year’s national elections.
Robredo, who was in Cebu on Friday, November 12, 2021, to meet with supporters, admitted that her efforts to secure a big win in next year’s presidential elections will be different compared to when she ran for the country’s second highest post six years ago.
“I still have to work hard in order to gain the trust and confidence of the Cebuanos,” Robredo said.
The presidential aspirant recognized the importance of Cebu in her candidacy, saying that if not for the fact that Cebu gave her a huge majority of votes in the 2016 election, she could have lost in her bid for the vice presidency.
Robredo said it will be a tough climb towards the presidency, especially since majority of her opponents have more resources and political machinery compared to her.
When asked about the possibility of Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio running for President, Robredo said that for now, they are still focused on getting their campaign on track.
“Laban lang namin ang ina-asikaso namin. Kabahagi na siya ng expectation, but I don’t think yung galaw namin should be affected by external decisions,” Robredo said.
She also thanked those who volunteered to help in her campaign.
“We don’t have the machinery but the passion of the volunteers made up for what we don’t have now,” Robredo added.
During her visit to Cebu, Robredo was accompanied by her running mate, Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, and senatorial candidates Alex Lacson and Teddy Baguilat.
Upon their arrival in Cebu, Robredo and her group first visited Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma for a formal audience.
When reporters asked Pangilinan what transpired during their meeting with Palma, the former senator and vice presidential candidate refused to divulge anything.
“But he prayed for us and we thank him for his prayers,” Pangilinan added.
Pangilinan said should he be given the chance to become Vice President, he plans to address the plight of farmers and fisherfolks, especially those heavily affected by the Covid-19 crisis.
Afterwards, the two proceeded to the Pagtambayayong Foundation on Alcantara St., Cebu City where they were welcomed by members of different sectors in Cebu composed of women’s and civic organizations.
Robredo also turned over funds for sustainable livelihood and training to three sewing communities and volunteers in Cebu City amounting to P10,000 per person.
Meanwhile, Robredo and two other presidential aspirants will serve as principal sponsors for the wedding of the eldest son of Cebu City South District Rep. Rodrigo “Bebot” Abellanosa on Saturday, Nov. 13.
Abellanosa confirmed to SunStar Cebu that Robredo, Senator Manny Pacquiao and Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso will be present at the wedding of his eldest son, Bebot Jose. (IRT, PAC)