Philippine VP Leni Robredo to run for President is "the right thing to do," according to her supporters

"Opinions of supporters maybe relevant depending on their numbers."

By Edward Era Barbacena

The group, which identified themselves as LENI UP (Urban Poor), argued that Robredo has rich experience of working with the urban poor as a lawyer until she was elected in public office and respects their struggle for a better life.

“It's not just about money. It’s about what’s right. We don't need a lot of money when the urban poor will help (This is not just about money. This is about doing what is right. We don't need a lot of money if the urban poor will be united behind her.), ”The group said at a virtual press conference.

“Leni should run for president. She should be the president because she has a long history of helping us. Yes, her survey numbers are in the low for now, but it does not mean that this should be the end. Doon tayo kung saan ang tama (We should stand for what is right),” they added.

Manny Manato, one of the convenors of LENI UP which lists 500 organizations under its umbrella, cited that Robredo has showed that she is capable of addressing poverty, hunger, lack of assistance in the midst of the pandemic, insecurity in the housing tenure of the poor, corruption, violence, human rights abuses, neglect, and injustice as seen with her anti-COVID-19 initiatives even with limited resources largely dependent on private sector help.

“Like Leni, we the urban poor do not believe that only one person or one group can solve all of them. We can again face those problems with courtesy, respect, and trust in each other, with her as president,” they added.

Some member families of LENI UP live in resettlement sites built by the state-run National Housing Authority (NHA), while other member-families have recently relocated to in-city condominium-type housing projects funded by the housing financing agencies of the government.

Likewise, there are LENI UP members who have remained living by the waterways and other informal settlements while awaiting financing approval of their proposals for housing in in-city or in-metro lands of their own choosing.

Robredo is ranking sixth in pre-election polls among potential rivals for 2022 presidential race and was candid that it is difficult for her to wage such campaign given the limited resources.

Likewise, she has said that running for president in 2022 is not about what she wants but what would be beneficial for all sectors.