UNDER THE MICROSCOPE
We were all witnesses to a phenomenon not seen before. Here is a lady who campaigned for the presidency and lost (though this is the subject of an ongoing protest in the Comelec and the Supreme Court), and who retreated to her private life. Now, she is just a candidate for mayor of her hometown.
In all respects, she can be regarded as someone with no political clout, her political party having been soundly trounced twice in national elections, and its ranks decimated by defections. The Liberal Party is now gasping for its survival.
Yet, she had a stream of political bigwig visitors, calling on her in her hometown with seemingly no purpose than to say hi. First, to call was the incumbent vice-president who succeeded her. People were intrigued why she suddenly opted to see her political opponent, noting the ongoing spat with her erstwhile ally and tandem in what was billed as the Uniteam. Was it to spill the beans on how they won?
Next came in succession several senatorial hopefuls, among them, Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos, Sen.Bong Revilla, Rep. Erwin Tulfo, Senate President Chiz Escudero, former Sen. Tito Sotto, Sen. Lito Lapid, and Rep. Camille Villar.
Of course, Senate-hopeful Bam Aquino has every right to visit her, being her political strategist and campaign manager during the 2022 presidential campaign.
Then, the incumbent President came calling on her as well, ostensibly during the inauguration of the Sorsogon Sports Complex. It was odd considering the fierce political fight they had two and a half years ago, with the President calling it the beginning of reconciliation.
Yet, the lady herself considered all the visits non-political, saying it was all in the spirit of graciously welcoming guests, though unexpected, to her hometown. What to make out of it all?
First, it should be considered as an acknowledgement that Leni Robredo is not a spent political force. She still commands the loyalty of around 15 million voters, who are up to now, supportive of her aspirations for our country. Indeed, the numerous chat groups created for the Pink Movement are still intact and very active in ongoing discussions about the country’s political affairs. They are just waiting for someone or something to ignite a spark that will set the movement ablaze once more.
Leni also runs the Angat Buhay Foundation, which actively assists in relief operations following natural disasters. She inspires trust that even major corporations donate to her foundation without batting an eyelash. Even before disaster strikes, Angat Buhay has been well-prepared for every contingency. Witness how they dispatched two trucks full of relief goods to Bicol when those in authority could only muster site visits to assess the damage done by “mere” Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.
As part of the relief operations, Angat Buhay has gotten ₱20 million in donations in a matter of days, as of this writing, from her supporters. Naturally, all of this money is well-accounted for, inspiring more trust in its activities.
More than just supervising relief operations, Leni has immersed herself in the relief operations, literally. The photo of her wading in waist-deep flood waters has inspired many who put up memes like the campaign poster that says, “Let Leni Lead,” but striking out the first word and adding an “s” to “Lead,” in effect saying “Leni Leads,” even as a private citizen.
This is no political gimmick. She’s been doing this even before she became a political figure, going back as far as 2006 during Typhoon Reming, and among others, Yolanda in 2013, Ompong in 2018, Rolly and Ulysees in 2020, Odette in 2021 Enteng this year, and to the present, Kristine.
But we hope her medical advisers have given her prophylaxis against the threat of leptospirosis with her forays into the floodwaters of the Bicol region. It will be tragic to lose her at this juncture in our country’s travails where she shines as the lone beacon of hope for millions.
Hope is a precious commodity. When the Philippines continues to sink in a quicksand of corruption, we continue to hope and pray for deliverance from this scourge. With the elections coming up next year, candidates will go for anything and anybody to boost their chances of winning, including getting the endorsement of the influential and the powerful.
Once again, we will anticipate these candidates making a beeline for Leni, in hopes of getting her endorsement, or even to just bask in the glow of Leni’s presence, no matter if they are the antithesis of her character. For indeed, Leni leads, by example and by her persona. She, who is now a plain widowed housewife, radiates hope, which springs eternal in our hearts. For it is hope that carries us through our national trials and tribulations to a better future.