Opposition Senator Leila M. De Lima reiterated her support to Vice President Leni Robredo's presidential bid whom she called the "one true candidate" who deserves the highest position in the land.
In a dispatch from Camp Crame, the detained senator said this is evident in the overwhelming support from individuals and organizations from all walks of life and different political leanings for Robredo.
"What is the best sign that we have found the One True Candidate? What else than to see waves upon waves of people from all walks of life and a variety of experiences rally behind her?" De Lima asked.
"Saan ka nakakita ng isang Presidential candidate na sinusuportahan ng mga opisyales mula sa iba’t-ibang nakaraang rehimen – mula sa mga dating Cabinet officials, top economic advisers, labor, foreign service and social service officials and employees, mga retiradong AFP officials (Where have you seen a Presidential candidate supported by officials from previous administrations–from former Cabinet officials, top economic advisers, labor, foreign service and social service officials and employees, and retired AFP officials)?" she further said.
To recall, many former government officials who served during the term of Presidents Fidel V. Ramos, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, and Noynoy Aquino have pledged to help Robredo win the presidency.
"Unmistakably, this groundswell of support shows the high level of trust in VP's person and her brand of leadership. People simply feel safe for themselves and for the country under a Leni presidency," the senator added.
According to De Lima, Robredo is the President that Filipinos both deserve and need, especially in facing the challenges of a post-pandemic world. De Lima is seeking reelection under the ticket of Robredo and running mate Senator Kiko Pangilinan.
De Lima said the overflowing support for Robredo is a sign of hope as it is a reminder of how important and life-changing the result of the 2022 polls is.
“Ang pagdagsa ng mga sumusuporta sa kandidatura ni VP Leni ay sensyales ng pagkakaisa at kung gaano kahalaga ang hinaharap nating laban (The waves of support for Leni's candidacy is a sign of solidarity and how important this fight is.)
De Lima also emphasized that Filipinos deserve a President like Robredo "who will fight for all of us" despite threats and intimidation.
"We need a President who could do so by bringing our country together who will not divide or alienate allies from across the whole economic, social and political spectrum of Philippine society; someone that everyone can agree is the best chance we have at a full recovery because everyone knows that she could and would lead with both moral integrity and intellectual competence, backed by the test of time and experience," De Lima said.
"In short, kailangan natin ng Pangulong pinagkakatiwalaan at pagkakatiwalaan ng lahat (we need a President that is trusted and will be trusted by everyone),” she added.
De Lima further said that she hopes Filipinos will choose Robredo in the 2022 polls to lead the country.
"Kung ang mga opisyales ng mga nakalipas na administrasyon ay nagkaisa, karapatdapat lang na magkaisa rin ang mga Pilipino sa Mayo 2022 (If officials from previous administrations have unified, Filipinos should also stand together in May 2022), and Let Leni Lead," she concluded.