Presidential candidate Vice President Leni Robredo promised to be the Quezonians’ ally if she gets elected on May 9, after committing to follow the law in any project that would affect their lives, welfare, and environment.
“Ano iyong maipapangako ko? Ang maipapangako ko sa inyo, kakampi niyo ako. Walang dadalhin na proyekto dito sa inyo na wala kayong pag-ayon (What can I promise? What I can promise is I will be your ally. No project will be brought here without your approval),” she told a crowd of supporters on Monday, April 18, during an early morning campaign sortie in Infanta, Quezon.
“Kung ano ang nasa batas, ‘yun ang susundin natin (Whatever is in the law, that’s what we will follow),” Robredo added.
Residents of Quezon province and the indigenous people (IP) are against the construction of the controversial China-funded New Centennial Water Source Kaliwa Dam Project because it will displace them.
The project has also been questioned on the possibility of the dam destroying the ecosystem and the habitat of IP communities in several Quezon towns.
Members of the Dumagat tribe of in the Sierra Madre accompanied Infanta Bishop Bernardino Cortez and the priests on stage in raising the hands of Robredo and running mate Sen. Kiko Pangilinan.
Noting that priests, bishops, and other heads of the religious sector were there with them, the lone female presidential bet stressed the importance of choosing between a “candidate” or the “country.”
“Pinag-uusapan natin lagi pagkakaisa. Ang tunay na pagkakaisa, ito ‘yun. Ang tunay na pagkakaisa, pagkakaisa ng mga tao (We always talk about unity. True unity is this. True unity is the unity of the people),” Robredo said, stressing that unity should not be for personal interest and not for the protection of politicians.
She mentioned that she wasn’t just visible in the province during times of calamities, but she also helped them during the pandemic because it is her proof that as long as there’s no corruption, public funds will go directly to the people.
Robredo further promised a “government that people can trust” if she wins this May.
Some of her supporters held placards rejecting other presidential bets’ call for her to withdraw from the presidential race. On Sunday, April 17, Manila Mayor Francisco 'Isko Moreno' Domagoso asked her to back out.
Her supporters also sang happy birthday at the end of her speech while a cake was brought out on stage. Robredo will turn 57 on Saturday, April 23, when another grand rally in Pasay is set to be held for her celebration.