It’s Roxas-Robredo in 2016 elections

“Alam naming hindi mo inambisyon maging Bise Presidente ng bansa. Pero kailangan ka ng Daang Matuwid; kailangan ka ng ating mga boss,” Roxas addressed Robredo in his speech at Club Filipino on October 5. (Photo from Roxas’ official Facebook page)

MANILA – Camarines Sur Representative Leni Robredo has finally accepted the ruling Liberal Party’s (LP) offer to be their vice-presidential candidate, becoming LP standard-bearer Manuel “Mar” Roxas II’s running mate.

Earlier today, Roxas proclaimed Robredo as the administration’s vice-presidential bid in next year’s national elections. The official proclamation was held at the historic Club Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan City.

“Matapos ang malalim na pag-iisip, malawak na konsultasyon at mataimtim na pagdadasal, buong puso, buong pananampalataya at buong tapat ko pong tinatanggap ang hamon na tumakbo bilang pangalawang pangulo ni Secretary Mar Roxas,” the lawmaker said in her acceptance speech.

(After thorough consideration, consultation and prayers, I wholeheartedly, faithfully and sincerely accept the challenge to run as the vice president of Secretary Mar Roxas.)

“Ibinigay ko po ang aking sarili nang buong-buo lalung-lalo na sa mga nakatsinelas sa labas, sa baba at sa laylayan ng lipunan (I gave myself wholly especially to those in slippers outside, below and at the hem of our society),” she added.

Ending her speech, Robredo quoted her late husband and former Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo, saying, “[in the end], ‘ang mabuti ang parating mananalig at ang tama ang parating magtagumpay.’” (The good will always prevail and the right will always triumph.)

LP chairman President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, for his part, openly welcomed the Roxas-Robredo tandem, believing that the congresswoman will also be able to continue his “Daang Matuwid” (Straight Path) type of governance.

“Si Leni palagay ko positibong-positibo ang imahe… Kung maghahanap ka ng talagang hindi pwedeng masasabing ‘trapo’ o traditional politician parang… ‘yon ang isa sa mga mukha nito – si Leni Robredo,” Aquino told reporters.

(I think Leni is a positive image…If you will look for someone who will not be labeled as ‘trapo’ or a traditional politician, it’s like… she’s one of the faces – Leni Robredo.)

“Ang dami na niyang dinemonstrate na kahanga-hanga talaga. So, ito, isasama niya sa pagkampanya – kasama ni Mar… talagang magpapabilis ng lahat ng nagawa na natin,” he added.

(She has already demonstrated a lot of impressive [projects and programs]. So, this, she will include in her campaign – together with Mar… [they] will really speed up all that we’ve done.)

It can be recalled that the LP also wooed Senator Grace Poe to be their vice-presidential candidate but the senator opted to seek the country’s highest post instead. Robredo, who was also reluctant at first, decided to accept the offer after several weeks of private meetings