What Leni says about her presidential run

It was independent presidential candidate Leni Robredo’s turn to be interviewed over dyHP RMN Cebu yesterday to speak about her presidential run.

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno also visited the station months ago. Manny Pacquiao already sent his intention to come. I would be glad if Lacson and Marcos will appear in the coming days in my Straight to the Point radio program.

This article is by no means an endorsement. I intend to just convey in the best possible manner what Robredo actually said. All other candidates will be treated the same way.

Robredo pointed out that the 2022 election is a different kind of election, for it is a battle for which kind of governance the people prefers.

Robredo expressed confidence that just like 2016 where she started at the bottom of the surveys, she will eventually emerge victorious. She recalled that in 2016, the people voted for her on the basis of trust and hope. Many things have happened since then and since the day she won.

Robredo claimed that she already has “resibo” (proof) of the things she has done as vice president despite the meager budget for her office. She did not fail to enumerate what she did and has been doing during the pandemic; her team provided dormitories for health frontliners, free bus rides, etc. After Odette hit, Robredo said her team had a month-long relief operation in Cebu. All these, according to her, would not have been made possible were it not for the sense of volunteerism of her supporters.

The vice president believes that presidency or vice presidency is a matter of destiny, but one should at the same time work for it.

Moreover, Robredo said “trabaho” or job generation is the centerpiece of her program. Her concept of job, she said, is “hindi siya ayuda”, adding that it should be the government that ensures the availability of jobs. She seeks to revive the different industries, such as the maritime industry. A focus on technology is paramount. She trusts that our manufacturing industries can be competitive.

This columnist also asked Robredo the issue of illegal drugs. “Tutukan natin yan,” she said, and it will be with the same vigor. She emphasized that the current strategy is not effective. Many lives have been lost and a lot of money has been spent, yet the problem continues to linger, she lamented. Robredo intends to run after the big-time drug dealers.

The next thing she will do about illegal drugs is to amend the current law. She said there is no delineation among those who are involved or engaged in illegal drugs, pointing out that there actually occasional users, drug addicts, etc. Each of these categories should be treated differently. “Bakit natin hinahayaan na ila-lump sila lahat,” she rhetorically asked.

On corruption, Robredo said this can be solved through decisive leadership “na malinis.” Government processes must be open and transparent. Mechanisms should be set up in order that the people can directly participate in governance. She said when those who intend to commit corruption feel they are being watched, they will be dissuaded from doing the act.