Leni-Kiko tandem gets backing from Zambales IPs

OLONGAPO City, Zambales —A group of indigenous peoples (IP) has endorsed Vice President Leni Robredo for president and her running mate, Senator Francis Pangilinan, for vice president, during a campaign stop of the opposition bets here Tuesday.

Chieftain Fe Domulot, an Aeta, noted that Robredo and Pangilinan's track record of helping margnalized sectors like the IPs are unmatched even amid persistent violations of the IP rights over the years.

"Sila po ang may malawak at malalim na karanasan sa paglilingkod, malalim na karanasan [makihalubilo] sa taong tulad namin na inaapi, may malawak na karanasan [tulungan] ang taong nangangailangan," Domulot said.

(They have a wide and deep experience in public service, being of service to people who are oppressed like us and others in need.)

"Higit po sa lahat, walang bahid ng korapsyon. Bakit pa tayo maghahanap kung sa kanilang panunungkulan ay ni isa sa atin ay wala silang binenta. Si Madam Leni ay nanindigan sa atin. Sila lang [ni Kiko] ang nakakaintindi sa ating karapatan at sa ating damdamin. Kaya po itinataas namin ang tambalang Kiko at Madam Leni," she added.

(More than anything, they are untainted by corruption. Why would we look the other way when this tandem never sold us out. VP Leni stood for our welfare and they understand our rights and plight. That is why we are raising their hands today.)

Robredo and Pangilinan also met with farmers and fishers of Sta. Cruz town and reiterated their program that aims to double support to agricultural workers in the country.—LDF, GMA News