Pangilinan: Clamor for Robredo's presidential bid growing stronger

GRASSROOTS clamor for Vice President Leni Robredo to run for president in 2022 is growing stronger, Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan said Wednesday.

"Lahat ng gusto na maging pangulo si VP Leni, gusto siya dahil ang daming resibo ng serbisyo niya sa bayan lalo na ngayong pandemya (All who want VP Leni to become president choose her because they have experienced her brand of service especially this pandemic)," Pangilinan said.

"Parang nanay talaga. Hindi lang kagyat na pangangailangan tulad ng pagkain, PPE, testing, gamot, at pati na psycho-social support ang binibigay niya. Pinupuno pa niya tayong lahat ng pag-asa sa kanyang walang-kapagurang pagserbisyo (She's truly like a mother. She gives more than urgent needs like food, PPE, testing, medicines, and even psycho-social support. Her untiring service also fills us with hope)," he added.

The Liberal Party president pointed out that this clamor for VP Leni to take over the presidency has inspired volunteers, including health workers, to live out the Filipino spirit of bayanihan in this time of crisis.

"Walang drama. Walang pulitika. Serbisyo lang. Ganyan si VP Leni (No drama. No politics. Just service. That is VP Leni)," Pangilinan said.

To supporters who want VP Leni to reveal her plans for 2022 now, the senator said to give her space and time to reflect on the enormous task of fighting for Filipino lives and livelihood during this crisis, and to intensify the clamor so that she will decide to run for president.

"Sa kanyang pagbigay sa atin ng inspirasyon, mas i-inspire pa natin siya ng ating suporta. Kausapin natin ang mga kamag-anak at kaibigan at pursigihing makumbinsi siyang magpasiya para sa ikabubuti ng ating kalusugan, ng ating kinabukasan, ng ating mga anak (As she gives us inspiration, let's inspire her more with our support. Let's gather our own small social networks and work to convince her to decide for what's best for our health, our future, our children)," Pangilinan.

On Monday, over 200 groups representing more than 500,000 members gathered online calling for her to run for president. Dubbed "Kay Robredo, Taumbayan ang Panalo: The People's Convention", volunteers and groups paid tribute to the Vice President's excellent leadership, especially amid the pandemic.

As Liberal Party president, Pangilinan is eyeing to unite all opposition forces behind Robredo as their lone bet in the 2022 elections.