Having retired Filipino diplomats and former military officials to come out publicly to support Vice President Leni Robredo's presidential bid "is no small thing" and "an indicator of what her true mettle is," the camp of Robredo said Wednesday, Feb. 2.

In an interview, Robredo's Spokesperson Barry Gutierrez pointed out that while many of those who declared their support to the Vice President on Wednesday, Feb. 1 are long-time allies and thus the gesture was somewhat expected, the Vice President's campaign does not consider it a small thing.

"It’s not true that this is just a group of, well you know, expected people as a supporter because they're our long-time allies. This a very, very varied group of individuals, all of whom have served in government at the highest capacities, all of whom, taken together, have, you know, probably decades of experience serving the public in very, very key capacities," Gutierrez stressed.

"And you know that’s no small thing, it’s a— it’s proof that for people who really know what governance is all about, Leni Robredo is the clear choice to lead our country in the next six years," Gutierrez added.

Gutierrez highlighted the move of the ambassadors to show support along with other former government officials, who served during the term of President Benigno S. Aquino III, which, he said is something unprecedented and is a proof that for a "very professional group," Robredo is the "clear choice" to lead the country in the next six years. Thus, it cannot be considered a "small thing."

"There are 42 ambassadors and members of the diplomatic corps who signed this. And that’s something somewhat unprecedented," Gutierrez said, referring to the statement of support.

"This is a very professional group that normally does not actually enter into political discussions as openly as they did yesterday. But they saw the need to express their full support for the Vice President, their trust in her leadership and to come out publicly to make plain that support," he added.

The spokesman also pointed out the declaration of support of four former military officials is an indicator of what Robredo's true mettle is.

He said it is an expression of confidence in Robredo's leadership, which will include her capacity to assert the country's rights in the West Philippine Sea, to defend the sovereignty, and to clamp down on threats to national security.

Robredo's camp further said that the declaration of support of 95 former government officials, is a "significant development" that will encourage more people to support the Vice President in her presidency.

"It’s a direct-hand testimony attesting to her qualities as a leader. It’s a show of confidence in her capacity to take on the highest office of the land, from a very well-respected group of individuals. So we think this is a pretty significant development and it will be a huge boost for the campaign," Gutierrez said.

Meanwhile, Robredo on a tweet on Tuesday, expressed her gratitude to the show of support which was conveyed through a 5-page joint statement from the signatories.

"Grateful for the support of former AFP chiefs, Cabinet members, and career diplomats who served with former President Noynoy Aquino. I knew about the culture of competence and collaboration within these ranks from my husband," the aspiring president said.

She disclosed that many of them helped her and her family when her husband, Jesse, passed away.

READ MORE: Robredo's candidacy backed by 95 former Cabinet members, AFP officials, ambassadors