Leni Robredo: The impossible dream

Leni Robredo’s candidacy as vice president of the Philippines started as the Impossible Dream. It  has now  become a national  crusade not just a political campaign. To a growing number of Filipino voters, she has restored  faith in the democratic process.  She is proving that a person of  integrity, humility and simplicity can still run and win a national position in this country.

Her late husband, Jesse Robredo, once said in a speech: “Our country is in dire need of servant leaders whose sense of compassion and service are truly awakened. We cannot bring the Philippines to lasting greatness without leaders of this calibre working in government.” Those prophetic words are how people are now describing his widow.

These emotions are best shown in the words that different people have used to explain why they are voting for Leni. For some people, it is because they believe that she shares a common cause like a group of alternative lawyers, legal advocates and human rights defender who recently expressed their support in a public statement.

Among the many reasons they stated were the following: “We enjoin voters to choose Leni for her commitment to transparency and reform ... Our endorsement for a true public servant like Leni is equal to our continuing commitment  to the advocacy for programs and policies that  empower communities through equal access to education, employment, food, land, and other resources and justice. Let us not simply vote for personalities with tainted political histories and short sighted promises.

We want a transparent leader who will espouse and enable our own engagement and participation in good governance, and we believe vice presidential aspirant Leni Robredo has exemplified these features throughout her career as an alternative lawyer, development worker and legislator. “

Then there are those who believe voting for her is a strong, symbolic gesture. Roel Cruz said, in a recent facebook post, that a vote for Leni Robredo is a vote: “Against forgetting. Against historical revisionists hailing our country’s most tyrannical President a hero and glorifying his immeasurably wide scale oppressive regime. Against entertaining, popcorn demagoguery and misplaced gutter toughness trying to pass itself as a concrete national vision. Against traditional visions out to maintain the status quo of institutionalized corruption. Against pseudo-intellectualism, cynicism and the politics of fear.”

But it was not just her words but her sincerity and credibility that has won her many new followers. There  was a  statement she made that would be considered a motherhood statement if said by other candidates. When she compared herself to a mother who will sacrifice everything for the sake of her children, one could see she really meant what she said: “Ang isa pong mabuting ina ay naaasahan sa kahit anong panahon, hindi umaatras sa hamon, sumisikap sa bawat araw na maging mabuting example sa kaniyang mga anak, binibigay ang lahat walang tinitira sa sarili.”

There are still those who believe Leni lacks the necessary experience because they are not aware of her record as a public servant. This is how she introduced herself in speech during a Vice President Forum:

“ I may be new in politics, but I am a veteran in public service. I have dedicated my professional life as an alternative lawyer, working with and serving farmers, fisher folk , abused women, laborers, and others in the margins of society. My work has allowed me to walk closely with sectors of our society that are hungering for justice and a better life such as the Sumilao farmers in 2007 as they marched in protest to get the land that is rightfully theirs.

“This brand of leadership – one that listens to the people, gives voice to the margins and inspires people participation  – is what I strove to continue during my term as representative of the Third District of Camarines Sur.”

There is one story about Leni that has endeared her to those who have heard about her. When she was Congresswoman, she had to attend the regular sessions at the Congress in Quezon City. Every week, she would ride a bus – yes a bus – to go home to Naga City, Camarines Sur. There are now many who are saying that she will change her lifestyle since she is now a national celebrity. It is to Leni’s credit that she understands the siren song of power and fame. And this is what she said in a recent debate:

“ Gabi gabi po nagdadasal ako na bigyan ako ng sapat na lakas para po patuloy na magsilbi nang matapat. (Every night I pray that I will be given the strength to continue to live a simple life so I can continue serving with sincerity.)”

Seven months ago, when she started her quest, Leni Robredo had a rating of one percent and was ranked sixth out of six vice presidential candidates. Today, she is the leading candidate in the latest vice presidential surveys.

The Impossible Dream was the favorite song of Ninoy Aquino and Evelio Javier.  When I think of Leni Robredo quest I remember one stanza that said: “To fight for the right/ Without question or pause/To be willing to march into Hell / for a Heavenly cause.”

From the same song, I am sure that the Philippines “will be better for this that one woman...strove with her last ounce of courage to reach the unreachable star.”

Leni Robredo for Vice President of the Philippines.

Summer creative writing classes for kids and teens

Young Writers’ Hangout : April 30, May 21, 28 and June 4 (10:30am-12nn except June 4, 1:30pm-3pm)

Wonder of Words Workshop:  May 2, 4, 6, 10, 11 and 13 (1:30-3:30pm for 7-10 years old and 4-6pm for 11-17 years old) with guest authors, Manix Abrera and Mina Esguerra.

Classes will be held at Fully Booked Bonifacio High Street.  For registration and fee details, 0917-6240196 / [email protected]

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