Although she is grateful for opposition coalition 1Sambayan’s efforts to unite the opposition for the May 2022 polls, Vice President Leni Robredo called on her supporters to better understand different political views and beliefs.
Speaking on her Sunday radio show, Robredo said that she “appreciates” that there is a group composed of private individuals who are working tirelessly towards unity.
“Nagpapasalamat tayo sa mga organizers ng 1Sambayan kasi sila iyong nag-come forward para subukan na pag-isahin iyong tao (We are thankful to the organizers of 1Sambayan because they are the ones coming forward to try to unite the people),” Robredo said.
Robredo was one of the nominees for president by 1Sambayan. The list—also composed of former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, Senator Grace Poe, lawyer Chel Diokno, Bro. Eddie Villanueva, and Batangas Representative Vilma Santos-Recto—was revealed on June 12, Saturday.
READ: Robredo, 5 others in 1SAMBAYAN list for president, VP in 2022
Poe, Diokno, and Santos-Recto already turned down the offer by the coalition. Senator Joel Villanueva also denied his father has plans to run for the highest elective post next year.
The vice president hasn’t made clear whether she accepts the nomination or not, maintaining that the preparations for the 2022 polls should come in second to the threats of the COVID-19 pandemic.
But she reiterated a call she earlier made to her supporters that the opposition cannot win without a better understanding of why populist leaders like President Duterte have the vote of the people.
“Iyong sa akin, paparating ko din sa ating supporters na hindi pwedeng tayo-tayo lang. Kailangan nating intindihin bakit ba marami iyong attracted sa Pangulo, bakit ba maraming attracted sa ganitong klaseng mga pulitiko (For me, I just like to tell my supporters that we cannot do it alone. We need to understand why there are a lot who are attracted to the President, why are they attracted to these kinds of politicians),” Robredo said.
“Kailangan iyon i-recognize. Hindi pwedeng sabihin tayo lang iyong magaling, tayo lang alam mo iyong matino (It has to be recognized. We cannot say that we are the only ones who are good, we are the only ones who are decent),” she added.
READ: Robredo on 1SAMBAYAN nomination: 'Unity above all else'
When it comes to unity, it’s not just about having the same beliefs, the vice president explained, but about giving space for different beliefs.
For Robredo, the country is in this position right now not because of one person like the President, but because of the “situation.”
The lady official hasn’t made her decision yet for 2022, but she emphasized that the national elections next year is “very important.”
“Walang ibang paraan kung papaano natin maitutulak iyong gusto nating itulak kundi magkaisa tayo (There is no other way for us to push for what we want but to unite),” Robredo said.
Meanwhile, Trillanes welcomed the 1Sambayan nomination, calling it a “great honor.”
“Nagtitiwala kami sa wisdom ng mga convenors ng 1Sambayan at naniniwala kami na ito ang tanging vehicle tungo sa pagpanalo ng oposisyon sa 2022 (We trust the wisdom of the convenors of 1Sambayan and we believe that this is the only vehicle toward the victory of the opposition in 2022),” he said.
READ: Duterte for VP in 2022? ‘Oppostion prepared for all scenarios’ — Trillanes
Trillanes has been vocal about his plans to run for president, but said he’ll withdraw if Robredo decides to run.