Roxas, PNoy admin ex-Cabinet members, diplomats back Robredo 2022 presidential bid

Former President Benigno Aquino III's Cabinet members and retired career diplomats and civil servants threw their support behind Vice President Leni Robredo's 2022 presidential bid.

The former civil servants, including former Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel "Mar" Roxas II, said in a joint statement that Robredo would be a competent and experienced president.

They also believed that as president, Robredo would be committed to the principles of integrity, democracy, and genuine public service.

"We believe that in the May 2022 elections, the Filipino people will make a choice that will shape our future and that of future generations. We share our people's aspirations for a leadership that is committed to serving the people with empathy and compassion: one that listens, one that can be with the poor, the voiceless, and the weary," they said.

"We believe that the best candidate who embodies these aspirations is a true leader who brings with her a solid track record of serving the public; one who possesses all the qualities of an ideal Chief Executive and Commander in Chief of our Armed Forces. We commit ourselves fully to Vice President Leni Robredo's bid for the presidency to lead the Philippines on an upward path of recovery and greatness," they added.

They also described Robredo's leadership as:

• inclusive and consultative and that will respond to criticism with an openness to dialogue;
• dedicated to securing the safety and well-being of all its citizens while respecting human rights and the rule of law and thus evoking trust and a sense of security with law enforcers;
• committed to protecting national sovereignty and one that earns the respect of the community of nations;
• takes charge in a crisis - one that is capable, decisive, and able to lead by example;
• committed to what is right and true;
• runs an honest and responsive government that inspires confidence and pride.

"We thus enjoin the Filipino people to give our country the leader that we all deserve," they added.

Aside from Roxas, other signatories of the statement include: former Foreign Affairs Secretary and career diplomat Delia Albert who served as the country's chief diplomat during the administration of former President Gloria Arroyo, former Budget Secretary Florencio Abad, former Armed Forces Chief of Staff Hernando Iriberri, former Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala, former Department of Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson, retired career diplomats Victoria Bataclan and Sonia Brady, former Environment Secretary Ramon Paje, retired ambassador Petronila Garcia, former Education Secretary Armin Luistro, former presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda, and his then-deputy spokesperson Abigail Valte, and former PhilHealth Chief Alexander Padilla.

Last month, officials of the Ramos administration also issued a statement backing Robredo's 2022 presidential run, saying the Vice President was the only leader who would steer the country to progress. — DVM, GMA News