Despite being mum about her political plans next year, hundreds of Vice President Leni Robredo’s supporters from the health sector and business process outsourcing (BPO) industry are urging her to run for president in the 2022 polls.
“Healthcare Workers for Leni” and “BPO Employees for Leni” launched their respective groups on Facebook Live on Saturday, August 28, to air their support for the vice president, calling her the leader the country needs amid the pandemic.
“During this pandemic, we, the medical frontliners, realized the importance of a strong and inclusive leadership in controlling the COVID-19 pandemic,” Dr. Gia Sison, one of the members of Healthcare Workers for Leni, said.
“We know that our sacrifices in the frontlines will be worthwhile if we have leaders capable of and determined in restoring good governance, decency, and respect among Filipinos. We believe that Leni Robredo is this kind of leader. We believe that she will lead us to a healthier Philippines,” she added.
Healthcare Workers for Leni is currently composed of more than 600 volunteers of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, psychologists, medical technologists, and other healthcare professionals.
During the virtual launch, the doctors issued their statement of support for Robredo’s candidacy next year.
“Why VP Leni? She's an honest public servant. Trabaho lang. Aksyon agad (Work only. She takes actions immediately). She can help others with limited resources, with volunteers who admire her, just as I do. VP Leni para sa Pilipino,” Dr. Francis Lopez said.
“Through these desperate and devastating times, Vice President Leni Robredo has been a breath of fresh air and a ray of sunshine. She has worked tirelessly, without any fanfare, and shown us just what can and should be done to lift our people out of this rut,” another doctor said.
She added Robredo has been a “beacon of honor, integrity, and leadership. She has not balled in the face of insults and adversity, and has remained undaunted in carrying out her mandate.”
READ: An open letter to Robredo: Why she should run for president in 2022
A video about Robredo’s initiatives for health workers was played during the launch. These include the Swab Cab, Bayanihan E-Konsulta, free shuttles and dormitories, Vaccine Express, and personal protective equipment (PPEs), among others.
In his testimony, Jason Patinio, a registered midwife from Ilocos Sur, believes that the vice president can embody the dreams he has for the country in terms of health care.
“I truly dream for the greater improvement of our healthcare sector and I would personally support the leader who I know can willingly take a share of our hardships and could lead us towards a better path—a leader in all ways. A woman who is tirelessly toiling for her family and for all the people,” he said.
Meanwhile, call center employees virtually launched BPO Employees for Leni through their Facebook page at 4 p.m on Saturday.
“We will rally behind a leader who has addressed and will continue to address concerns of our country with a sense of urgency, integrity, and a firm resolve to better our lives and our country,” Marga Cabasagan, one of the convenors of BPO Employees for Leni, said.
“We, from the BPO Industry, affirm our unwavering support for the candidacy of Vice President Leni Robredo for the Presidency,” she added.
Other groups also held their respective online launch on Saturday, including Cavite for Leni, Nueva Ecija for Leni, Laguna for Leni, Youth for Leni, and Leni Robredo for President Movement – Rizal/Pasig.
READ: Push for Robredo's presidential bid gains more support — Team Leni
All of these activities are aimed at convincing Robredo, who said she is still currently focused on her pandemic response programs, to seek the highest post in the country.