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The calls have come from different sectors for Camarines Sur Representative Leni Robredo to run for vice president, except from their home.
Her daughters are the first to say no, saying they are just happy to see their mother “find purpose” in her current capacity.
“Nakikita naman namin ‘yung nagagawa niya tapos natutuwa naman kami na marami siyang natutulungan. Natutuwa kami na she finds purpose in what she’s doing. So Congress siguro pwede pa pero national po talaga, ayaw namin magkakapatid (We see what she has done and we are happy that she has helped many people. We are happy that she finds purpose in what she’s doing. If she goes for Congress again, it’s fine…but my sisters and I don’t want her to run for a national position),” Tricia Robredo told reporters on the third anniversary on the passing of her father Jesse Robredo, former Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) secretary and city mayor.
Tricia, along with her sisters Aika and Jillian, are aware of the calls for their mom to run as vice president alongside DILG Secretary Mar Roxas. But it is a topic not being discussed at home.
“As much as possible, we don’t talk about it at home,” Tricia said.
Her children — and her district — are among what’s holding Mrs. Robredo back to run for a higher post.
She said she does not want the political dynasty she helped topple in 2013 to return and does not want to leave her district unprepared for her substitute in case she runs for a higher post.
She admits her low awareness rating in surveys can also discourage her from running for the Senate.
What is certain, she said, is that running for the vice presidency is “not an option.”
“Reelection, reelection. Pero hanggang ngayon, parang tinatantsa kung posible ang Senado,” Mrs. Robredo told reporters when asked about her plans for 2016.
She feels humbled for the calls but is the first to say that she is not yet ready to take on a larger role in the national stage.
“Marami pa tayong limitasyon. Maraming mas handa (I have my shortcomings. There are others who are more prepared),” she said.
Running for VP is also not being discussed with Roxas. However, she has not closed the door entirely but is not thinking about it.
Text: Willard Cheng, ABS-CBN News
This article has been re-published with permission from ABS-CBNnews.com.
