Presidential aspirant and Vice President Leni Robredo, together with her running mate Senator Kiko Pangilinan, continued their campaign trail in Batangas, passing through Padre Garcia, Balayan, Lipa, and Tanauan for the third day of the election campaign, Feb. 10.
Robredo expressed her hope for support from the Batangueños as she looked back on her unexpected huge win in the province during the 2016 vice-presidential elections.
“Huwag tayong mapagod, ‘wag tayong mawalan ng pag-asa. Nanalo tayo noong 2016 at malaking dahilan roon ang Batangas. Hindi imposibleng magawa natin ulit yun,” said Robredo during her visit in Padre Garcia.
From Padre Garcia, the Robredo-Pangilinan tandem, along with senatorial candidates Sen. Dick Gordon and Atty. Sonny Matula received a warm welcome from supporters in Balayan including groups such as Bedans for Leni, Tropang Leni-Kiko Taal, Maculot Defenders for Leni and Kiko, and Balayan-Bicolanos for Leni.
Following the visit to Balayan, supporters and volunteers gathered at Claro M. Recto Events Center in Lipa for the second visit of the Robredo-Pangilinan tandem.
Senatorial aspirant Atty. Chel Diokno was also in attendance with Gordon and Matula, while former COA Commissioner, Heidi Mendoza, spoke on behalf of Senator Leila De Lima.
In Pangilinan’s speech, he assured Leni-Kiko supporters that they would face issues with determination and diligence.
“Buong puso, buong tapang, buong-buo namin haharapin ang mga suliranin ng ating mga komunidad at gagawa ng paraan para ito’y mabigyan ng solusyon,” Pangilinan said.
Robredo, in turn, conveyed her promise to focus on the poor sectors of society if she wins the presidential elections this coming May.
“Pag ako yung binigyan ng pagkakataon manilbihan, ang laylayan ang ating magiging bagong centro […] Dapat ang pamahalaan, siya yung nag-aakay ng mga naiiwan pero hindi lang siya, dapat buong taong bayan. Yun po ang aking commitment sa inyo,” Robredo stated.
The various groups present in the Lipa-leg of Leni-Kiko’s campaign were Tropang Leni-Kiko ng Lipa Volunteers, Lipa Youth for Leni, Momshies for Leni, Lipa Chapter, Lipa Doctors for Leni, Engineers for Leni, as well as market vendors, transport groups, and members of religious sectors.
After the program, Robredo proceeded to the Lipa City Hall, where Lipa City Mayor Eric Africa welcomed her.
For their final stop, supporters gathered at First Asia Institute of Technology and Humanities (FAITH) Colleges for the Grand Salubong in Tanauan City where she was met by supporters from Tanauan for Leni, Lipa for Leni, Taliseño for Leni, Solid Leni Pilipinas, Robredo People’s Council, Makabayan Batangas, Leni Action Movement for President, Ina ng Bayan, and Makabayang Pagbabago 2022.
The province of Batangas is considered the 7th most vote-rich province, home to at least 1.7 million votes in 2019.
Robredo was also the top pick in Batangas during the 2016 vice-presidential elections.
