Members of the Ateneo community—teachers, students, and alumni—from all over the country are urging Vice President Leni Robredo to run in the 2022 presidential race, vowing to campaign for and support her because the Philippines need “a change in governance."
In an open letter, groups and individuals from Ateneo universities in Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Manila, Naga, and Zamboanga, and other Jesuit institutions in San Juan, Laguna, and Iloilo said that they are “tired of the abuses and neglect of the current administration to the plight of the Filipino people.”
Under “an abusive administration,” they said Filipinos “experienced misery, abuses, and difficulties.”
“Kailangan natin ang isang administrasyong makikinig, magbubuklod, at tutugon sa hinaing ng lahat. Batay sa inyong mga nagawa na, lalo na ngayong panahon ng pandemya, ikaw ang nakikita naming pinunong makakasama namin sa susunod na anim na taon. Kampante kami sa ilalatag mong direksyon para paghilumin ang sugatan nating bansa (We need an administration that will listen, bring together, and respond to the grievances of all. Based on what you did, especially during the pandemic, you are the leader we want to see in the next six years. We are confident with your direction to heal the wounds of our country),” they told Robredo.
The group will launch virtually the “Leni For You” movement on Friday, August 27, where they are expected to call on Robredo to heed the call for her to run as president.
READ: Push for Robredo's presidential bid gains more support — Team Leni
“Kami ay mga mag-aaral, guro, kawani, magulang at nagtapos (alumni) ng iba’t-ibang Ateneo na may sariling paninindigan at hindi kinatawan ng aming mga institusyon – handang tumaya at sumuporta sa inyong kandidatura (We are students, teachers, members, parents, and alumni of the different Ateneo with our own beliefs and are not representative of our institution—ready to gamble and support your candidacy),” they said, addressing the vice president.
They lamented that the culture of violence, harassment, and human rights violations has become “normal” because of the current administration.
The country's lack of readiness in facing the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has also resulted in many of the poor suffering, they said.
“Milyun-milyon ang nawalan ng trabaho at libu-libo pa rin ang nagkakasakit at namamatay. Nagkakawatak-watak tayo sa panahong pinakakailangan ng pagkakaisa (Millions have lost their jobs and thousands are sick and dying. We are divided at a time when we have to be together),” the open letter said.
The group vowed to convince fellow Filipinos to support Robredo as she embodies “the people’s hope for excellent, honest, and pro-people governance.”