Robredo: People’s support can beat backing of politicians

BALANGA CITY, Bataan — Vice President and presidential bet Leni Robredo said Tuesday that the people's support can defeat the backing of politicians come election day.

Robredo made the position before a huge number of supporters here, where she only received the backing of one town councilor.

"Noon, laging pinaguusapan kung sinong governor, congressman, mayor ang kakampi mo. Ipinakita ninyo na hindi na masyado mahalaga iyon dahil tao na mismo ang nagdedesisyon," Robredo said.

(People used to talk about which governor, congressman, mayor is on your side. But you have showed that that is not as important because it is the people who make the decision.)

"Walang sinabi ang pera sa laki ng pagmamahal ninyo sa ating bayan. Kaya ngayong eleksyon, ipakita natin na kahit wala tayo masyadong kakampi na local officials, mas malakas ang lakas ng pinagkaisang taumbayan," she added.

(Money is nothing compared to the size of the love you have for our nation. This election, let's show them that even if we don't have a lot of local officials allied with us, the strength of the united public is more powerful.)

Robredo and her running mate, Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan, did not get the backing of the major local officials here and nearby province Zambales.

Bataan governor Abet Garcia and Zambales governor Jun Ebdane both back former senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr. and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte.

Robredo and Pangilinan, however, got the endorsement of former senator Jun Magsaysay, who hails from Zambales.

Likewise, Robredo and Pangilinan got the endorsement of indigenous people (IP) of Zambales in a previous campaign stop.

The endorsement of the IP was followed by similar endorsements on stage by young professionals, 155 lawyers from Central Luzon, and the Catholic Church leaders of Bataan.

"Wala po akong kasing saya na mga ordinaryong tao po ang tumataas ng aming mga kamay," Robredo added.

(There is nothing that brings greater joy than having ordinary people raise our hands.)

Robredo is still trailing Marcos by double digits in pre-election surveys, but has significantly gained by 7% to 9% points in most recent pre-election poll by Pulse Asia and OCTA Research.

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, who ranks far third in pre-election polls, earlier called on Robredo to withdraw her presidential bid.

Robredo has yet to respond, but read a supporter's poster in Bataan that said, "Sabi ng mga tolongges, mag withdraw ka. Kapal ng mukha nila." (The fools said, withdraw. They have some nerve.)

This drew laughs from the crowd, prompting Robredo to say "Binasa ko lang." (I just read it.) — BM, GMA News