Aspiring president Vice President Leni Robredo believes the overwhelming turnout of supporters in her campaign sorties only shows how invested they are in their future.
Overwhelmed by the amount of supporters amid the downpour and mud-soaked football field during the people's rally in Sagay City Friday morning, March 11, Robredo found herself asking "Kakampinks" why are they so invested in her campaign to the presidency.
"Napansin n'yo ba? Kakaiba yung eleksyon na ito kasi talagang pinagpapaguran ng mga supporters hindi lang ang mga placards pero lalo na yung pagkampanya. Hindi pa man kami nakakarating dito marami na sa inyo ang nagsasakripisyo para makatulong. Bakit ganyan kayo ka-invested? (Do you notice? This election is very unique because supporters work hard not just for the placards but also in campaigning. You have already sacrificed a lot to help before we arrive here. Why are you that invested?)" Robredo asked.
However, it was already clear to Robredo the reason why her supporters keep pouring efforts into her campaign, which she has branded as something that is powered by volunteerism.
"Hindi lang ito dahil mahal n'yo ako, hindi lang ito dahil ako yung mas gusto n'yo na iboto pero alam n'yo na ang ipinapakipaglaban natin ang inyong kinabukasan (This is not just because you love, this is not just because you want to vote for me but you know that we are fighting for your future)," she said.
The Vice President stressed that the upcoming elections "is not just a battle between politicians." It is a very crucial time for the country, she added, because this is when "we decide what kind of leadership we want for our nation in the next six years."
Robredo pointed out that the country is facing a string of problems at present, including the high prices of goods, and high prices of fertilizers for farmers. These issues make the elections more crucial, she said, because "if we make a mistake in the elections, we can't hope for change."
"Maraming mga kabataan ngayon, sobrang involved (Many youth are very involves now), she said.
"'Pag tinatanong halos lahat nagsasabi, 'Ayaw na namin sa bulok at luma na klase ng politika' (When we ask why, they always say 'Because we no longer want the rotten and old kind of politics)," she added.
The presidential aspirant is now on her third visit in Negros Occidental since she announced her presidential bid. She visited the province twice last year after the onslaught of typhoon Odette.
She and her runningmate Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan as well as their senatorial slate are expected to stage another record-breaking grand rally Friday night at the Paglaum Stadium in Bacolod City.
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