A new group formed by women local government officials nationwide is backing Vice President Leni Robredo’s candidacy in the May 2022 polls, joining the growing list of supporters who vouched for her track record and integrity as presidential aspirant.
In a virtual event hosted on Facebook, the women leaders gathered together for the launch of the Pinunong Pinay Power or PPP, a group of city and municipal mayors, vice mayors, and councilors, including village officials and women seeking public office.
“Ang magiging focus nating mga Pinunong Pinay ay patuloy na ipakita, ipahayag, at isabuhay ang mga values ni VP Leni para mas masiguro nating tama ang landas na tatahakin natin sa darating na halalan (The focus of Pinay leaders is to show, express, and practice the values of VP Leni to make sure we will take the right path towards the upcoming polls),” Tuguegarao Councilor Marj Martin-Chan, one of the lead convenors of PPP, said.
The group lauded Robredo and her office for their initiatives to help various communities since 2016, as well as the conduct of COVID-19 response programs since the virus outbreak in March 2020.
The PPP also noted Robredo’s health and economic plans such as the “Kalayaan mula sa (Freedom from) COVID” and “Hanapbuhay para sa lahat (Jobs for all), which they believe are the “well-crafted solutions” that would address the country’s most pressing problems.
READ: Robredo hits critics calling her weak because she is a woman
The women leaders also praised how the Vice President, despite her office’s limited budget and mandate, was able to partner with the private sector and civil society groups in providing assistance to the people.
During the online launch, the women local government officials gave their testimonies about Robredo’s integrity, compassion, and efficiency as a leader.
“She has no breaks, she has no walls, she goes directly to the people,” Alcala, Cagayan Mayor Tin Antonio said as she recalled Robredo was the first responder in the aftermath of a typhoon in her locality.
Mayor Trina Firmalo-Fabic, of Odiongan, Romblon, described Robredo as a “warm, caring, detail oriented, strong, and determined” leader who has “mother’s touch.”
“I believe that with Leni Robredo leading us we can work towards transformative governance that truly cares about the people,” she said.
Antonio also called upon the Filipino women to support Robredo’s presidential bid. .“Sana ang ating mga kababaihan ay maging (I hope our women would be) very vocal sa pagsuporta ng (in supporting the) brand of leadership ni (of) VP Leni...VP Leni is the leader we need and is ready to be the next President of our country.”
Other women local officials also shared their personal statements of support to Robredo. Among them were Dinagat Islands Gov. Arlene “Kaka” Bag-ao; Oras, Eastern Samar Mayor Vivian Pugal-Alvarez; Quezon City Councilor Lena Marie “Mayen” Juico; and Tabaco City, Albay Mayor Cielo Krisel Lagman-Luistro.