Robredo: Next President should preserve democracy, protect the people

Vice President Leni Robredo, if given the chance to be President, would start her term as Chief Executive by sparing institutions from political intervention in a bid to preserve the country's democracy.

Robredo made the response during an open forum with the Rotary Club of Manila on Thursday when asked what the first thing she would do if she is elected President.

“That would be strengthening institutions. Our institutions have suffered a great deal over the past several years. Judiciary, Congress, and many other government offices. Pinakamahalaga sa demokrasya, ‘yung bawat institusyon, naaasahan. Not just about a particular case. Iyong mas pangkalahatan…dapat siguraduhin natin na ang mga institusyon…iyong Judiciary, Congress, nilalayo sa pakikialam ng ibang sangay ng pamahalaan,” Robredo, a lawyer, argued.

“That [strengthening of institutions] is paramount to our preserving democracy, paramount to protecting the rights of our people, businesses included. I think that is the first thing that anyone who comes after this administration should do,” Robredo added.

The Vice President said that having government institutions tainted with political intervention increases distrust in government.

“Dapat sinisiguro natin na hindi nababahiran ng duda ang mga ito sa pagdedesisyon, pagpapasa ng batas, kasi kapag nabahiran ng duda, magiging dahilan ito ng pagkawalang tiwala sa pamahalaan,” Robredo said.

She stressed that the primordial concern of Judiciary and Congress, among others, should be dispensation of justice and following the law.

“There should be separation of powers and everybody should go by what is mandated of them,” Robredo added.

In the same forum, Robredo said that she is not aspiring for the Presidency, since that job is best left to destiny and aspiring to be the Commander-in-Chief would ruin the good work they do in her office in aiding far-flung communities. — BM, GMA News