Presidential aspirant Vice President Leni Robredo has expressed appreciation to Davaoeños for launching the group Davao for Leni on Facebook on Tuesday, Nov. 16, despite hailing from the home province and political bailiwick of the Duterte family.
The Davao for Leni group aims to spread awareness about Robredo’s programs in the whole Davao region. The page, which says “not all Dabawenyos are DDS (Diehard Duterte Supporters),” currently has more than 25,800 followers and more than 19,700 likes.
Robredo, during a message via Zoom, told supporters that she was grateful for the effort they put into campaigning and raising funds for her.
“They make all the difference and give us hope and strength for the coming months. Syempre, lalo ring nakakataba ng puso (Of course, it is more heartwarming) seeing this level of support from Davaoeños such as yourselves,” she said.
The presidential aspirant added that the fight ahead will be a long battle, but assured her supporters that she will be with them along the way.
“Sabi ko nga, tumindig kayo dahil kasama nyo rin akong titindig para sa tama, mabuti, at makatarungan. Tiwala akong kayang-kaya nating marating ang Pilipinas na pangarap natin (As I’ve said, stand up and I will stand up with you for what is right, good, and just. I trust that we can reach the Philippines we dream of),” Robredo said.
Stating that she was inspired by the movement and organization to fight for the advocacies they believe in, she thanked her supporters for the “trust, support, patience, and love” that they are making her and her family feel.
READ: Robredo ‘overwhelmed’ by supporters for considering her 2022 run ‘fight of their lives’
She promised that even as she goes around the country to oversee her office’s programs, she continues to respond to the needs of Filipinos through her office’s Angat Buhay projects and pandemic response initiatives.
The group said that they are different people, mostly youth from Davao and Manila who only met each other through an online assembly when Team Leni Robredo called for volunteers.
“Ang iba sa amin ex-DDS na naghahangad ng pagbabago sa kasalukuyang pamamahala (Some of us are ex-DDS who are hoping for change in the present government),” they shared.
Nuelle Duterte, the president’s niece and a known critic of her uncle, said that she’s supporting Robredo because she knows what to prioritize.
“Umaksyon agad sa emergencies (She takes actions during emergencies),” she noted.
Nuelle is the daughter of the President’s youngest brother, Emmanuel or “Blueboy,” according to reports.
Other group members said that they are voting for Robredo in 2022 because she is competent and has clear platforms for the marginalized sectors.
READ: Robredo support boosted among ‘’Kakampinks” here and abroad over weekend
They also hailed the Vice President for not being involved in corruption allegations, for not being a “liar,” and “murderer.”
This is not the first regional group launched by Robredo’s supporters on Facebook. She also has pages in different regions of the country—from Cagayan in the north to the Mindanao supporters in the south.