Supporters launch ‘United for 2022,‘ urge Robredo to seek presidency

Several sector representatives on Saturday vowed to support Vice President Leni Robredo should she run for President in the 2022 elections.

The supporters launched a movement called “United for 2022: Launching of Team Leni Robredo” that seeks to convince Robredo to run for President after she was revealed as one of the nominees of the anti-administration coalition 1Sambayan for President and Vice President.

“Dahil inspired tayo kay Leni, gusto nating sundan ang pagmamalasakit at pagmamahal niya sa bayan. Gusto natin siyang tulungan. Gusto nating tulungan ang Pilipinas,” actor Enchong Dee said in a statement.

(Because Leni inspires us, we want that care and love she shows to the nation to continue. We want to help her. We want to help the Philippines.)

Representatives from the sectors of youth, women, senior citizens, urban poor, farmers and fisherfolk, and health workers attended the online launch of United for 2022.

In a statement on Sunday, Albay Representative Edcel Lagman said Robredo is "the logical, qualified, viable, and winnable choice" as presidential candidate for the opposition.

To prove his point, the opposition lawmaker cited Robredo's track record, compassionate demeanor, and performance in the pandemic.

"Her enduring adherence to constitutionalism and the rule of law is the direct opposite to Duterte’s repeated violations of the Constitution on due process, human rights, and press freedom, among others," Lagman also said.

For her part, Robredo had previously said she had no firm decision on the elections but was open to running for President.

Despite this, lawyer Ibarra Gutierrez, spokesperson for Robredo, said she was honored to be considered by the coalition as one of the possible candidates for the national post.

The Vice President has also stressed the importance of having a sole presidential bet from the opposition to go against President Rodrigo Duterte's chosen standard-bearer. —with a report from Consuelo Marquez/DVM/KG, GMA News