In PNoy's presence, Roxas-Robredo tandem cheered in Naga

MANILA, Philippines - With President Benigno Aquino III on the same stage on Tuesday, Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II and Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo were teased about their potential tandem in the 2016 elections.

Roxas and Robredo were referred to as future president and vice president, respectively, in one of the testimonials for the late Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo, whose third death anniversary was commemorated today.

"May Sec. Jesse continue inspiring all of us as we, led by President Aquino, incoming President Mar Roxas, and probably, incoming Vice President Leni Gerona Robredo, to build a nation truly for the people, by the people and of the people underpinned by Daang Matuwid," Naga City Councilor Gabby Bordado said in his testimonial.

Bordado's statement received loud cheers and applause from the attendees of the televised Jesse Robredo Day Multi-Sectoral Forum at the Naga City Hall, which actually looked like an event of the Liberal Party (LP).

Aquino named Roxas as the official standard-bearer of the LP, which counts the Robredos as members.

While Roxas and the LP are supposedly courting Sen. Grace Poe to be his running mate, some groups are pushing for Robredo's vice presidential candidacy.

Robredo, however, is reportedly not keen on running for a higher post.

PNoy praises Leni; widow thanks Mar

In his speech, Aquino paid tribute to Robredo's legacy in public service and praised his widow and family.

Aquino commended Leni Robredo for remaining strong after her husband's death and for becoming one of the most reliable members of Congress.

"Si Leni, ni minsan hindi pinakita sa akin ang kanyang mga luha. Damang-dama ko sa kanya at sa kanyang mga anak na ayaw nilang maging pabigat kanino man. Sigurado ako, kung nasaan man si Jesse ngayon, masaya siyang makita na ang kanyang asawa ay isa sa pinakamaaasahang miyembro ng Kongreso sa ngayon," Aquino said.

Robredo, on the other hand, thanked Aquino for supporting her province and her family. She also thanked and praised Roxas.

"Higit pa sa pagiging magkaibigan, isa rin po kayo sa mga taong pinaniwalaan at hinangaan ng aking asawa mula noon pa man," she said.

'Continue Jesse's legacy'

Aquino, Roxas and Robredo shared the same sentiment that the legacy of the late Cabinet official should be continued.

"Tunay nga po: ang pinakamagandang pasasalamat na maibibigay natin kay Jesse at sa iba pang dakilang taong nauna sa kanya ay ang pagpapatuloy at pagpapaunlad sa mga iniwan nila sa atin," Aquino said.

Roxas, meanwhile, assured that the government will follow the guidance of the former interior secretary.

"Jesse, huwag kang mag-alala. Nakikinig kami. Tuloy pa rin kami sa pagdidilig ng mga ipinunla mo," he said.

For her part, Robredo urged her fellow officials to keep the memory of her husband alive by shunning corruption.

"Buhayin sana natin ang alaala ng aking asawa sa pamamagitan ng pagpanig sa katotohanan, pagpanig sa katapatan at pagpanig sa kabutihan gaano man ito kahirap o kasakit," she said.

Robredo continued: "Sa pagpapalaganap ng mabuting pamamahala at pagiging huwarang lingkod-bayan, sa gitna ng tukso at kapangyarihan at sa pangsangguni at pakikinig sa tinig ng mga mamamayan sa lahat ng oras at panahon."