Robredo lack of funds not a liability – Lagman

MANILA, Philippines — A veteran lawmaker in the House of Representatives believes Vice President Leni Robredo’s lack of funds to bankroll a possible campaign in the May 2022 presidential race may even turn in her favor.

Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, a member of Robredo’s opposition Liberal Party (LP), said her candidness in admitting she “lacks funds” for a campaign may in fact be “an advantage, not a liability.”

Lagman explained that the Vice President’s admission is “a testament to her integrity and honesty of not enriching herself in public office.”

Also, it is “an opportunity for voters and citizens who believe in good and solicitous governance to rally behind a candidate who will render fealty to public service,” he said.

“It will encourage all of her old and new supporters from all walks of life to contribute to a noble cause and be an instrument to her victory. She will emerge as the most viable alternative to a degenerate political dynasty,” the veteran legislator added.

And most importantly, Robredo’s lack of funds – which runs in billions of pesos for presidential candidates – will provide a “beacon of hope and a measure of fulfillment to the people’s aspiration for a meaningful and positive change.”

Robredo admitted Tuesday that while she is prepared to become the country’s next president, the lack of resources to mount a “decent” presidential campaign in next year’s elections is discouraging her to run.

“I think with regard to the job, I have been prepared for a long time. But the campaign itself will be difficult, given the current political landscape,” Robredo told ANC in an interview.

Robredo said the current situation is “very different” from that in 2016 when she won the vice presidency.

“I was an (administration) candidate. So the infrastructure was there and because I was not running for president, I didn’t worry about the resources because the party was there. And you know the state of our party now, I don’t have the resources to launch a decent presidential campaign,” Robredo, who currently chairs LP, said.