Robredo vows inclusive governance: ‘This is our chance’

Vice President Leni Robredo on Monday vowed an inclusive government and a change from politics that is exclusive to the wealthy and powerful if she wins next year's presidential race, amid the recent alliance of big political names and families.

The vice president made the commitment during the covenant signing ceremony with Alliance of Labor Leaders 4 Leni (ALL4Leni).

“Kasi iyong pulitika natin parang naging exclusive siya sa may pera, may pangalan. Palagay ko iyong 2022 napakahalagang eleksyon, lalo na kasi nagsanib-puwersa na iyong mga malalaking politiko at pamilya,” she said.

(Our current politics is exclusive for those who are wealthy and names. The 2022 elections is very important, especially now that the big politicians and families have teamed up.)

“Pagkakataon ito for us to, parang reset button. Na kapag tinalo natin sila, umpisahan na natin iyong isang klase ng pulitika na lahat may pagkakataon,” she added.

(This is our chance. It's like a reset button. Once we defeated them, we will start a kind of politics where everyone has the chance to be heard.)

Robredo did not mention any parties or political families but last week, Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD), Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) and Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP) forged an alliance for the May 2022 national and local elections.

PFP’s standard bearer is presidential aspirant Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., while Lakas-CMD and HNP are chaired by his running mate, presidential daughter and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte. PMP is led by former Senator Jinggoy Estrada, the son of former President Joseph Estrada.

Robredo pointed out that labor leader Sonny Matula’s inclusion in her senatorial slate for 2022 “symbolizes” her intention to provide a space for the labor sector.

“Iyong inclusion ni Atty. Sonny, symbolism na seryoso kami doon. Symbolism na—siguro mahihirapan si Atty. Sonny dahil ang papasukin natin, iyong pa rin na klase ng politika pero dahil nagiging people’s movement na ito, anything is possible,” she said.

(Atty. Sonny's inclusion is a symbolism that we are serious on that promise. Atty. Sonny might find it hard because we are dealing with the same kind of politics but because of the people's movement, anything is possible.)

Robredo has signed a covenant with ALL4Leni led by Matula.

The covenant outlines a five-point agenda for the labor sector under the Robredo presidency which includes:

• Quality jobs as well as green jobs
• Proper compensation and salary for laborers
• Social protection through public services
• Respect for union rights and political rights of laborers
• Consultation and people’s participation

— BM, GMA News