In Leni Robredo’s proclamation rally, it’s dancing over political speeches
NAGA CITY, Philippines – Continuing the legacy of her late husband Jesse Robredo, former Vice President Leni Robredo returns to her hometown, Naga City, to seek the mayoralty.
During the An Bagong Team Naga’s proclamation rally on Friday, March 28 led by Robredo, she said that their rally would be different because it would not have political speeches. Instead, she prepared a dance performance with several individuals.
According to her, this was because the event was arranged and prepared by volunteers.
“Gusto mi ipamati na ang eleksyon saka kampanya, bako manungod samuya pero kamo ang pinakamahalaga,” said Robredo.
(We want you to feel that the election and campaign are not about us politicians, but for the most important ones — the people.)
For the past weeks, An Bagong Team Naga has been visiting every barangay in the city, including those in remote areas such as Carolina, Balatas, Cararayan, Pacol, and Panicuason.
They call this visit “Orolay-olay” or “conversation” in Bikol where the candidates talk to residents face-to-face to better understand their situation and listen to their demands.
Robredo has pledged genuine and transparent governance under her term in case she wins, hoping to restore Nagueños’ trust.
She further underscored that her slate will ensure inclusive progress, sustainable growth, and urban development in the city, and asked Nagueños to not only support her but their entire local slate.
Aside from Robredo, Naga City has three independent mayoral candidates, including Leonida Abrazado, Restituto De Quiros, and Luis Ortega.
Running with Robredo is outgoing Camarines Sur Representative Gabby Bordado as her vice mayor. Bordado already served as city vice mayor during Jesse’s term.
Those running as city councilors, meanwhile, include incumbent councilors Gayle Abonal-Gomez, Jess Albeus, Omar Buenafe, Joe Perez, and Oying Rosales; former city administrator Elmer Baldemoro; former city budget officer Frank Mendoza; long-time City Health Officer Dr. Butch Borja; former councilor Miles Raquid-Arroyo; and Areiz Macaraig.
Robredo further asked them to vote for the party-list Mamamayang Liberal (ML), as well as the Kiko Pangilinan-Bam Aquino tandem for the Senate.
Robredo’s mayoral run received mixed reactions from the public — from disappointment to thankful — due to widespread expectations that she would run for the Senate.
She had an unsuccessful bid for the presidency in 2022, but placed second to Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on the back of a so-called “pink revolution.” – Rappler.com