Vice President Leni Robredo finally put an end to speculations on her plans for the next elections when she formally announced her presidential bid for 2022 on Thursday (Oct. 7).
Robredo said making the decision was not easy, aware of the huge responsibilities that comes with it.
“Buong-buo ang loob ko ngayon. Kailangan nating palayain ang sarili mula sa kasalukuyang sitwasyon. Lalaban ako. Lalaban tayo,” she said.
Prior to this, the Vice President said running was not in her plans as she prefers to return and settle to her home province in Camarines Sur. She also had meetings with different personalities in her pursuit to unite the opposition.
“Alam kong marami sa inyo ang ilang buwan nang kumikilos nang kusa tungo sa layuning ito. Ramdam na ramdam ko ang tiwalang kaloob niyo sa akin,” she said.
“Sinasabi ko ngayon, buong-buo rin ang tiwala ko sa inyo… gisingin ang natutulog pang lakas. Tumindig kayo, tinitiyak kong meron ‘ding titindig sa tabi niyo,” she added.
Robredo filed her certificate of candidacy (COC) earlier this afternoon with her two daughters Tricia and Aika. Former Senator Antonio Trillanes expressed support while confirming that he will run as senator again under Robredo’s senatorial slate.
Liberal Party President Senator Francis Pangilinan is in full support of Robredo for accomplishing many projects despite having limited funds. He is expected to file his COC as the running mate of Robredo for 2022.
Meanwhile, Sen. Panfilo Lacson who has already filed his COC said he and Senate President Vicente Sotto III would just like to focus on their campaign.
Other candidates who have submitted their COCs are Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso, Sen. Manny Pacquiao, and former senator Bongbong Marcos. – Report from Patrick de Jesus/AG-_ bny
