It wasn't an easy week for Vice President Leni Robredo, especially since she had to tell her three daughters that she was indeed running for president in 2022.
“Iyon iyong pinakamahirap sa lahat. Pinakamahirap palang hinarap ko dahil (That was the hardest part. That was the hardest I had to face because) from the very start, sobrang kontra talaga iyong mga anak ko (my daughters are against it),” she said during a media briefing on Friday, Oct. 8.
Robredo said her daughters were even against her 2016 vice presidential run. They made her promise that it would be the last time she joined politics.
When her name kept on floating as a possible presidential bet next year, her daughters kept on reminding her: “Mama, may promise ka ha na last na iyon (Mama, you made a promise that it would be the last).”
READ: Robredo sisters hint at mom Leni’s retirement from politics
It was a “struggle,” Robredo said, but noted that her daughters also have a high “sense of duty.”
“Na kahit alam nila na magiging napakahirap sa kanila, alam nila na (Even though they know it’s going to be hard on them, they know) this is the right thing to do. Alam nila na kahit mabigat para sa kanila ay susuporta sila (Even if it’s a struggle for them, they will support it) 100 percent,” she added.
The Vice President explained that her daughters were simply being protective of her since she has been the subject of bashing and defamation for the past five years and a half.
“So, they were looking forward to 2022 na mapapahinga na ako. Ano lang naman yun, dala ng kanilang (I will already retire. That’s just their) natural instinct to protect me. Syempre (Of course), if I will run again, parang hinabaan mo lang ‘yung (you’re prolonging the) number of rounds,” she said.
The opposition leader announced her presidential bid on Thursday morning, Oct. 7, then proceeded to file her certificate of candidacy (COC) at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila later that day. Her daughters Aika and Tricia were with her throughout the announcement and COC filing.
READ: VP Leni to run for president as independent, and not under Liberal Party
Jillian, her youngest, posted on social media that she was in attendance virtually. She’s currently studying in New York on a full scholarship.
She sent a heartwarming message to her mom via Twitter.
“Since I was 12, I’ve been looking forward to the day where my Ates and I have Mama all to ourselves again, but I guess that would have to wait (smiley emoji) Mama, I’ve never been more proud to be your daughter. Happy I get to cast my vote for you this time around,” Jillian said in post with a Philippine flag emoticon and the hashtag #LabanLeni2022.