Robredo expresses confidence, faith in Filipino people at proclamation rally

Vice President Leni Robredo made a rousing call to the public during her campaign's proclamation rally on Tuesday, expressing her confidence and faith in the Filipino people while stating that a President must always be honest and guard public funds against corruption.

The Grand Rally of the Team Robredo-Pangilinan was held in her hometown of Naga City, Camarines Sur, attended by the Vice President, along with running mate Senator Francis Pangilinan and members of her senatorial slate.

Robredo said that Naga City is a special place not just because it is her hometown and where she met her late husband, the late Interior Secretary  Jesse Robredo, but ultimately because it showed that good governance can trump traditional and transactional politics.

"Hindi na dapat pinagdedebatehan: Ang pinuno—lalo na ang pangulo—dapat laging nagsasabi ng totoo, dapat sumusunod sa lahat ng patakaran, dapat walang-duda pinangangalagaan ang kaban ng bayan," Robredo said.

(It is not up for debate. A leader should be honest and should protect public funds from corruption and follow rules.) 

"Ang pinuno, dapat manguna sa pagiging huwaran; dapat siyang manguna sa pagtatakwil ng palakasan, sa pagsunod sa mga patakaran, at sa pagsigurong mananagot ang mga nanlilinlang sa taumbayan at nagsasamantala sa kapangyarihan," she added.

(A leader should be a role model, and take the lead in rejecting political patronage, following the rules, and making corrupt and abusive public officials accountable.)

The Vice President did not name names but the state-run Presidential Commission on Good Government has recovered P174 billion of ill-gotten wealth of the family of former senator and presidential candidate Bongbong Marcos so far.

Robredo said that the May elections is not about changing the clans in power, but ending the abusive system in government with honest leadership.

"Ang gobyernong tapat, tumototoo sa kanyang tungkulin sa taumbayan. Tapat siya sa mismong dahilan kung bakit nilikha ang pamahalaan: Para sa tao," she added.

(An honest government performs its duty to the people because public officials with integrity know that governments exist to serve the people.)

Robredo said she is confident that the voters will ultimately choose her honest and leadership that listens to the sentiments of the people, and a campaign anchored on volunteer support more than backing from political bigwigs.

"Hindi ako natatakot. Hindi ako kinakabahan. Panatag ang loob ko dahil nakikita kong magkakahanay ang paniniwala ng Pilipino. Nagbabayanihan tayo sa harap ng anumang krisis o sakuna, nag-aambagan para tumulong sa nangangailangan, nakikibaka sa anumang sapalaran. Hindi natin iniiwan ang isa't isa, at tiyak kong aakayin natin ang isa't isa tungo sa katuparan ng mga ito," Robredo said.

(I have no fear, I am not anxious. I am at peace because I know Filipinos help each other amid crisis and wage a battle no matter the odds. We don't abandon each other, and I am sure we will stand with each other in this fight.)

"Buong-buo ang tiwala ko sa bawat Pilipino. Tiwala ako sa tibay, sa husay ng bawat isa, sa liwanag ng ating kalooban, sa katapatang mag-aangat sa buhay ng lahat. Pag-asa, pakikiisa, pagkakaisa. Dito tayo tumataya. Tara. Ipanalo na natin ito," she added.

(I have complete faith in the Filipino people, their bravery, competence, kindness and integrity. This is about hope, empathy and togetherness. I am betting on these. Let's go and win this.) — BM, GMA News