Opposition coalition 1Sambayan on Thursday, October 7, vowed full support for Vice President Leni Robredo who joined the 2022 presidential race even as this will be an “uphill battle” against the resources of the current administration.
Robredo announced her decision to run as president at the Quezon City Reception House, where she holds office. She is set to file her Certificate of Candidacy (COC) at 3 p.m. today at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila in Pasay City.
READ: ‘Buong-buo ang loob ko’: Robredo announces bid for presidency
“We in 1Sambayan stand firm behind VP Leni in her presidential bid in the 2022 national elections. It is a light of hope that comes at a time of great uncertainty: a country on its knees due to a failed pandemic response, a struggling economy, and a backdrop of the loss of lives and livelihood for the Filipino people,” a statement from the coalition said.
The group earlier endorsed Robredo’s run as president even though it also seeks to unite the opposition’s “pro-democracy forces.”
It acknowledged that bringing the vice president, the de facto leader of the opposition, is going to be an “uphill battle” but remains firm that the Filipino people will elect the right leader.
“The fight to regain our country’s democracy and integrity in governance starts now, and it will be an uphill battle. Make no mistake about it, we are up against the vast resources of the Duterte administration,” 1Sambayan stressed.
READ: Robredo is 1Sambayan candidate for president in 2022 polls
“If we remain divided, we will stand to lose more than just the elections: we will lose our country, our democracy and integrity in public service,” it said.
The group called on “every peace and democracy-loving Filipino to unite and stand behind” Robredo.
“But knowing that we are fighting for the survival of the country fuels our vigilance and our resolve to push for the presidency of VP Leni in next year’s elections,” it added.
The statement said “unity will allow us to defeat whoever Duterte anoints as successor.”
“Unity will help us take Leni Robredo to the presidency for the sake of our country and our people,” 1Sambayan added.