Leni for Vice President

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 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. “

She is not one who will bombard you down with long speeches and promises and wouldn't flood you with political ambition. Instead, Robredo is a gentle presence but leaves such a great impact. An articulate lawyer, she is very conscious about serving people in the grassroots and in the margins of society--she spent all her weekends as congresswoman going in far-flung, underserved barrios in her province. In fact, she had been helping her kababayans as a practicing lawyer whose focused on cases involving the marginalized sector. She is connected with the Naga chapter of Sentro ng Alternatibong Lingap Pang Legal (Saligan), a national alternative lawyers’ group helping farmers. She founded Lakas ng Kababaihan ng Naga, was the past president of the Naga City Council for Women, and a member of Federacion International de Abogados. 

She also worked with the Public Attorney's Office. Her legal career was devoted to defending the rights of farmers, fisher folk, women and all those who could not afford legal fees.

During her term in Congress, the bills she supported show her preference for pro-poor and people empowerment legislation. These bills included People’s Participation in Budget Deliberation; People Empowerment; Freedom of Information; Full Disclosure; Tax Incentive Management and Transparency; Anti-Discrimination; National Food Security; Agrarian Reform Commission; National Land Use and Management; Healthy Beverage Option: and, Mt. Isarog Natural Park.

FATHER. Leni Robredo's father was a Regional Trial Court judge in Naga City. Photo from Robredo's Twitter page

If she wasn't thrust into politics in 2013, Robredo could have been a regional trial court judge. Before her husband's death, she had been shortlisted to become presiding judge in any of 3 regional trial courts (RTCs) in the Bicol region and could have followed her father's footsteps, the late Antonio Herona Sr, who was an RTC judge in Naga City. Leni withdrew her nomination when husband Jessie died. She then applied as judge for any Quezon City regional trial court so she could be with her daughters but her plans were derailed because she had to run for Congress in the 3rd district of Camarines Sur.

And get this, when she was asked in an interview that if she were elected Vice President, and a new President would ask her if she wanted a Cabinet portfolio, she said that she would request an anti-poverty assignment, even if it were a task force and not a department. "Because of my background, I see things from the point of view of the people on the ground," she said.

Robredo said she is prepared for all the difficulties and frustrations of government service. She's had her share as a legislator, and saw them herself during the stint of her late husband Jessie as the DILG chief and that was no piece of cake. "Not everyone is called to serve. No matter how small the role you're given, it is still an opportunity to make a difference. So whatever is given to me I will do my best to do it," says Robredo.

RIGHT REASONS. Liberal Party vice presidential bet Leni Robredo tells local officials in Negros Occidental on October 6, 2015, that she hopes they will join her not out of pity but because they believe she will be good for the country. In the photo withe her are (from left) former Governor Rafael Coscolluela, Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr, former Governor Daniel Lacson, and Bacolod Representative Evelio Leonardia. Photo by Marchel P. Espina/Rappler

On her first sortie after declaring her vice presidential bid, Leni Robredo of the Liberal Party (LP) told voters here on Tuesday, October 6, that should they vote for her, it should not be because she’s the widow of the late Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo. “It should not be hinged on sympathy, because you’ve taken pity on me). It should be based on what the candidate has done in the past,” Robredo said in a speech before local officials at the Provincial Capitol in Bacolod City.

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.

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.