Leni defends huge campaign spending

ORMOC CITY, Leyte – Vice President-elect Leni Robredo defended her campaign expenses worth Php 406 million, which is the biggest among the vice presidential contenders in the recently concluded elections. She also assured that the financial contributions have no strings attached.

“Looking closely, it would appear I was the most honest in declaring my campaign expenses. Before accepting donations, we were particular against them asking for favors,” she said.

Robredo, who was in this city on Saturday, also defended the Php 30.8 million donation of Kris Aquino to her campaign kitty, saying it was the presidential sister’s personal position to support her for which she was within her right to do so, having earned the money herself.

“We accepted Kris’ contribution on the basis of her clear conscience and with the knowledge that that money was earned from legal means,” she explained.

Spokesperson Goergina Hernandez made a more detailed explanation in justifying the expense, saying most of the Php 406 million went to TV commercials, which Robredo needed considering she was the least known among the candidates for vice president.

“Being the only candidate for vice president without a national exposure, Leni had to spend on TV commercials to introduce herself extensively and catch up with the competition,” she said.

Hernandez reiterated the stand of her boss not to use the office of the vice president for horse-trading. “Returning favors won’t be a problem for Leni as her donors made a commitment not to ask anything in return,” she pointed out.

Hernandez also assured the public that Robredo will not break their trust. “We appeal to the public not to find fault where there is none as Leni commits to concentrate on serving her constituents especially those who are most in need,” she concluded.