VP Leni to submit memo to Comelec regarding request on pandemic response
Presidential aspirant Vice President Leni Robredo is hopeful that the Commission on Elections (Comelec) will recognize the importance of her COVID-19 response initiatives and grant them exemptions from the ban on publicly-funded programs during the campaign season.

In a media interview, Robredo said that they are expected to submit a memorandum to the poll body after the hearing she personally attended last Friday, Jan. 28.
“Ano naman, pinakita natin na marami kasi ‘yung hindi natin maseserbisyuhan pag hindi nagpatuloy ‘yung mga (We showed them that a lot will not be given services if we will stop the) services, pero nag-pledge tayo na pag binigay ‘yung (but we pledged that if we will be given) exemption ay (is) definitely hindi na ako makakapunta like kung anong ginagawa ko ngayon (I cannot go anymore like what I’m doing now),” she told reporters in Lingayen, Pangasinan.
The aspiring president or any members of her family will not likewise attend the activities.
READ: Robredo hopes Comelec will allow OVP’s COVID response programs during campaign period
Robredo said that even the designs of the materials used for the initiatives will be changed so they will not be associated with her.
She, however, stressed the importance of following the ban on the use of public funds for the candidates’ projects during campaign season.
“Tingin ko tama naman ‘yung regulation na ‘yun para hindi nagagamit ‘yung pera ng bayan para sa isang kandidato (I think that regulation is right so the public’s money cannot be used on one candidate),” Robredo added.
Comelec bans the use of public resources during the campaign period, which will begin on Feb. 8.
Robredo is set to kick off her official campaign in her hometown of Naga City, Camarines Sur.