Presidential candidate Vice President Leni Robredo on Sunday, April 17, called on Filipinos to live truthfully and offer one’s self to others, especially those living on the fringes of society.
A devout Catholic, the Vice President greeted everyone a Happy Easter and reminded them of the true meaning of the Gospel—the eternal life by following the teachings of Jesus.
“Nasa buod ng kuwentong ito ang mensahe: Mabuhay sa paraang makatotohanan. Mahalin ang kapwa nang parang pagmamahal sa sarili. Manalig. Sa kabila nito, nag-aabang ang Kaharian ng Diyos (The message is in the core essence of this story: Live in truth. Love others as you love yourself. Have faith. In the end, the Kingdom of God awaits),” she said.
The Vice President recalled the path of Jesus Christ’s resurrection and spoke of the message of hope brought about by His sacrifices.
“Ang sakripisyo niya, at ang tapang na kinailangan niyang ipamalas para harapin miski ang kamatayan. Ang pag-asang binitbit niya para sa sangkatauhan (His sacrifice, and the bravery He needed to show even he faced death. The hope He brought to the people),” Robredo said.
“Nawa’y sundan natin ang kanyang yapak, at isadiwa ang pagiging tunay na Kristiyano– sa pamamagitan ng buong-buong pagbibigay ng sarili, lalo na para sa mga nasa laylayan ng lipunan (May we follow His path, and live like a true Christian—by giving one’s self, especially to those in the fringes of society),” she added.
Last April 15, Robredo was seen in Naga joining the Good Friday procession, the first after two years of pandemic.
After a two-day campaign break since candidates were not allowed to campaign on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, she went house-to-house in Barangay Sabang in Naga on Saturday, April 16, reminding volunteers of the opportunity to convert on the ground.
“Masaya ang tao pag siya binibisita mo at naglalaan ka ng oras na makipagkuwentuhan. Na miss ko yata ang ganitong klaseng pag iikot (The people are happy when you visit them and you spend time to talk. I miss this kind of campaigning),” she said.
The Vice President also shared that Paolo and Miguel of hit band Ben & Ben visited her family in Naga while they were vacationing in Bicol during the Holy Week.
“Always amazed when celebrities as popular as them remain so humble and grounded. And they’re even better up close,” Robredo added.
She noted that this was a “treat for all of us” but a “best surprise” for youngest daughter Jillian, who is a fan of the band.
Jillian, Robredo said, flew in from the United States, where she was finishing a double degree in Economics and Mathematics, to help out in the campaign.