Let Leni Robredo Shine…

Leni Robredo’s name made a mark in my consciousness when her late husband died in a plane crash on that fateful day, August 18, 2012.  Her husband, Jesse Robredo, was then Secretary of the Department of Interion and Local Government and there were rumors he was groomed to run for a national post,  supposedly, in this elections.  From  then on, I have felt only pure admiration for Leni Robredo.    

It must have been truly agonizing to have to await for news about her husband.  I can just imagine the questions racing in her mind during that moment.  Did he survive; did he suffer much?  Losing even one’s pet is painful enough, losing a loved one must be over a million times painful,  but through it all, she was a picture of calmness and strength.   During those times, the image of Cory Aquino flashed back, I did not have any idea that like Cory, Leni would be dragged into the political quaqmire too.  

I know running as vice president is the ultimate sacrifice that she will be doing for her family, her local constituents, for the country.   But Leni Robredo knows that if she wins as vice president, she has more opportunities to effect reforms and changes in the lives of others.  Being a social activist and  developmental worker,  Leni knows how she can use that power to bring aid to and serve the marginalized, something that Leni has always been passionate about.     

Who else is fitting for the vice-presidential position but somebody who has been doing developmental work for many years?    Leni devoted much of her time in helping in planning for development projects in three towns in the Bicol area even shelving personal plans in order to prioritize her work.   If she wins as vice president, I have no doubt that Leni will be a great assistant and support to the president.  She has shown her strength and the stuff she is made of.  Taking on the job as vice-president will be both a big sacrifice and a favor that she will be doing for the country.  Jesse must be proud of her.