Albay 2nd district Rep. Joey Salceda has advised opposition standard-bearer Vice President Leni Robredo to drop one of her most famous and identifiable catchwords in order to sound "more presidential".
The word Salceda is referring to is "laylayan", which Robredo uses to refer to poor Filipinos, as in "galing sa laylayan ng lipunan (from the fringes of society)".
"Although it fits her persona--the 'tsinelas (slippers) management', the 'lugaw (rice porridge)', laylayan--it paints an entire cohesive strategy," the House Committee on Ways and Means chairman said in a virtual press conference Thursday, Feb. 10.
"But it's time for Leni to speak more presidential," he said matter-of-factly.
Salceda--who made a rather shock endorsement of Robredo Wednesday despite his ties to the Dutertes--says he finds the term laylayan "corny", and that the phrase "basic sector" would be better and more specific. He said basic sector can represent farmers, fishermen, informal settlers, the urban poor, and the like.
"I think it's time for her to define herself based on very concrete and doable, fundable...that are socially desirable.
"The laylayan kasi...gives her a cover of not having to define this basic sector and what she will do for them. But she knows what to do; kasi naman she has been working with the basic sector for 40 years after after became a lawyer. So she has a direct feel," he said.
Salceda gave this advice to Robredo Wednesday when he endorsed her Palace run. "We spoke for two hours," he said.
He said he and fellow Bicolano Robredo have been friends for a long time.