WATCH: The homecoming of Leni Robredo

Rappler.com

This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

WATCH: The homecoming of Leni Robredo
Leni Robredo will be back home in Naga City, where her late husband Jesse left a legacy of good governance

After kicking off the campaign season, vice presidential bet Leni Robredo will return to her hometown, Naga City, where her late husband Jesse left a legacy of good governance.

Bea Cupin files this report.

 

The kick-off, once again, begins at home. 

Days after the Liberal Party launched its 2016 campaign in Capiz, the home province of its standard-bearer Mar Roxas, they head to Naga City and Iriga City in Camarines Sur, the home province of its vice presidential candidate Leni Robredo.

Robredo’s husband, the late interior secretary Jesse Robredo, was also mayor of Naga for almost two decades.

JOHN BONGAT, NAGA CITY MAYOR: Yun naman talaga ang nagpasikat sa Naga, parang naging very inclusive yung decision-making processes.

That’s what made Naga famous. The decision making process became very inclusive under Jesse Robredo.

Much like Roxas City, Naga and Iriga are curious choices to launch a hotly-contested election. 

The two cities combined have less than 150,000 registers voters in a vote-rice province dominated by political dynasties whose loyalties are not exactly with the ruling party. 

But Naga City is an emotional pick for the LP’s vice presidential bet.

LENI ROBREDO, VICE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Isa bagay na hindi ko man lang po pinaniginipan. Alam po ninyo, araw-araw kinakausap ko ang asawa ko, parati ko pong sinasabi sa kanya, dapat ikaw ang nasa lugar ko. Pero iba po ang balak ng Poong Maykapal. Wala na po ang asawa ko. Wala na po siya pero nandito pa naman ako. Nandito pa naman tayong lahat. Kung anuman iyong mga trabahong hindi niya natapos, nandito pa naman po ako para tapusin ang mga iyon. Kung auman iyong mga panaginip niya para sa ating bansa, nandito pa naman po tayong lahat para maisakatuparan iyong mga panaginip na iyon.

I never dreamed of this. You know, everyday I talk to my husband and I always tell him: you should’ve been in my place. But the Lord had different plans. My husband is gone. He’s not here anymore but I’m still here. We’re all still here. Whatever job he left unfinished, I’m here to finish it. Whatever his dreams were for the country, we’re all still here to make it a reality.

Almost 4 years after his death, Jesse’s memory and legacy is one that the ruling party – and his widow – consistently evokes. 

BEA CUPIN, REPORTING: From a low-key political wife and lawyer, the reluctant politician now walks into the national spotlight, gunning for the second-highest post in the country in a national campaign that banks on the promise on continuing Aquino’s “Daang Matuwid,” Robredo promises to push for the dreams, ideals, and principles of her late husband. But will it be enough to help the neophyte lawmaker’s bid for vice presidency?

Bea Cupin, Rappler, Naga City. 

Rappler.com

Add a comment

Sort by

There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation.

Summarize this article with AI

How does this make you feel?

Loading
Download the Rappler App!