Former vice president Leni Robredo and former senator Leila de Lima reunited on Saturday, March 15, in the former’s bailiwick of Naga City to campaign for Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Partylist.
Former vice president Leni Robredo accompanies ML Partylist first nominee Leila de Lima as she campaigns in Naga City on Saturday, March 15, 2025. (Photo courtesy of ML Partylist)
De Lima, who is herself from nearby Iriga City, is the first nominee of ML Partylist for the May 2025 midterm polls.
The former vice president lauded De Lima’s ongoing commitment to social justice and good governance through her involvement with her partylist, stressing that ML was not formed purely for the 2025 elections alone.
“Ang Mamamayang Liberal, hindi nabuo para lang magkandidato, nabuo ito way back 2012 pa (The Mamamayang Liberal was not formed for the candidacy, it was established way back 2012),” Robredo said.
"Ang Liberal, hindi lang isang partido, organisasyon ito nang mga hindi politiko, representantes ng marginalized sector na nagdadala ng kanilang agenda sa sektor (The Liberal is not just a party, it’s an organization not of politicians, but representatives of the marginalized sector that being their sector’s agenda),” she added.
The former official, who is running for Naga City mayor, a position previously held by her late husband, also shared why her vote goes to ML and De Lima.
“Iboboto ko ang Mamamayang Liberal hindi dahil sa Liberal ako, [iboboto ko sila] dahil First Nominee si Leila De Lima (I will vote Mamamayang Liberal not because I’m a Liberal, or because Leila De Lima is the first nominee),” Robredo said.
Rather, she explained that there is no need to measure De Lima’s capacity because it is already evident on how she served the country.
She cited the former senator’s vast experience in human rights as former Commission on Human Rights (CHR) chairperson, Department of Justice (DOJ) secretary, and senator.
In response, De Lima expressed her deep gratitude for Robredo’s words of encouragement.
She also thanked her for the solidarity as they continue to share in their fight for justice and accountability.
ML Partylist is currently conducting community engagements across Bicol, meeting with various sectors and local leaders to discuss their platform focused on justice, reform, and genuine representation for marginalized Filipinos.