VP rivals in 2016, Chiz, Leni exchange lovefest on Eleksyon 2022 campaign trail

Rivals in 2016 in the vice presidential race, Vice President Leni Robredo and Sorsogon Governor Francis Escudero on Wednesday exchanged kind words as the Tropang Angat ticket continued its campaign in Southern Luzon.

“She has long proven that she can make things better not just in Sorsogon, in the Bicol Region, but the entire Philippines. I am proud to introduce to you, the hardworking, kind, trustworthy and honest, the lone female presidential candidate, Vice President Leni Robredo," Escudero said in Bicolano.

"Their tandem (Robredo and Pangilinan) is dignified with a good track record," he  added.

Robredo reciprocated Escudero's graciousness, saying Escudero's work ethic coupled with public support resulted in progress in Sorsogon.

"I respect and admire your good governor, governor Chiz Escudero. Sorsogon is very beautiful, and it is because of your decision to stand together. An honest and competent governance will result in progress," Robredo said in Bicolano.

"This is what I am pushing for: a culture of governance with integrity and competence so we can achieve progress together, just like how you did in Sorsogon," she added.

Robredo also cited Escudero's assistance to her office as chairman of the Seate Committee on Finance from 2016 to 2019.

"I have a huge debt of gratitude to Governor Chiz. As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, he made sure that the Office of the Vice President's development projects are funded under the national budget, given that our office only has a small allocation," Robredo said.

"He greatly helped us to bring our projects to far-flung communities," she added.

Given these qualities, Robredo said Bicolanos should help her and the rest of her slate, including Escudero, chart their way to a resounding victory in the May elections.

"These remaining 89 days of the campaign, we will be working hard for this. Not only myself and Senator Kiko, but somebody needs to be reelected to the Senate. Senator Chiz needs to win a Senate seat again," Robredo said.

"His biggest vote should come from the Bicol region, so that a Bicolano can top the Senate race. We will persevere in fighting for that and our cause. I am used to tough battles," she added.

As this developed, Albay Representative Joey Salceda said he was endorsing Robredo in the 2022 presidential race.

"She is good for the economy because number 1, she has no vested interest. Second, she is just guided by her genuine desire to serve the people," Salceda, a member of ruling party PDP-Laban, said in a chance interview.

"Also, not many people know that the Tax Incentives Management and Transparency Act (TIMTA) which is the basis of succeeding reforms. She also has compassion for the poor and demonstrated capacity to help them via good governance," he added. —NB, GMA News