Albay 2nd District Rep. Joey Salceda on Wednesday, Feb. 9, endorsed the presidential bid of Vice President Leni Robredo because “she’s good for our economy” and “she has no vested interest to protect.”

An economist himself, he spoke of Robredo’s knowledge and experience in managing the economy, even mentioning one of her bills when she was in Congress—Republic Act 10708 or the Tax Incentives Management and Transparency Act (TIMTA).

The law enables the government to monitor, review, and analyze the impact of tax incentives.

Salceda said he’s endorsing Robredo not because she’s a fellow Bicolano, but because “she has no vested interest to protect.”

“She’s just guided by her genuine desire to serve the people...The other reason, because I really believe in her compassion, genuine compassion for the poor,” he added.

Out of all the presidential candidates, the former Albay governor maintained that Robredo has “demonstrated (the) capacity of caring for the poor people.”

Salceda, who once pushed for Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio to run as president, also commended Robredo’s plans for good governance because it “will be good for the economy.”

“One, in spending priority I truly believe that she has shown that the– judicious use of scarce government resources,” he said, noting that Robredo was part of the Aquino administration that raised “a lot of money but without raising taxes.”

“And lastly, I think she has the credibility in unifying the people especially in times that we need to make sacrifices for the sake of nation building,” Salceda stressed.

The lawmaker also believed that the opposition can win if they will only unite.

Robredo, her running mate Senator Kiko Pangilinan, and their senatorial bets kicked off the campaign season in Bicol Region, the home region of the Vice President.

On Wednesday, they went to Camarines Norte, Sorsogon, and Albay to meet with supporters.