At least six former secretaries of the Department of Education, along with 90 former officials, staff and teachers are endorsing Vice President Leni Robredo and her running mate Senator Francis Pangilinan in their bid to be the next president and vice president, respectively.
Former education chiefs Edilberto de Jesus, Fe Hidalgo, Mona Valisno, Jesli Lapus, Florencio Abad, and Bro. Armin Luistro FSC, endorsed the duo’s tandem, citing a vote for quality education for all Filipino learners.
“Both bring solid experience and a grounded understanding of the education sector, its challenges, and what needs to be done,” their statement read.
The Robredo-Pangilinan tandem was earlier endorsed by the Ateneo de Manila University, the different schools of De La Salle, and San Beda Universiy.
Former secretary Ismael Sueño of the Department of Interior and Local Government is also supporting the presidential bid of Vice President Leni Robredo. He is now a senior adviser and partner of the Robredo-Pangilinan campaign in Soccsksargen. He was a former South Cotabato governor and ex-mayor.
He backed then Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte’s presidential bid in 2016, and he was even one of his campaign contributors.
According to Sueño, Robredo showed her integrity and strong character when she was then the housing czar.
“When she started pointing out government excesses and impunities, she lost her Cabinet position,” he said.
He said the Vice President was trolled and bashed to depict that she was an incompetent leader.
“Fellow Mindanaoans, many Filipinos tend to believe these lies. Fellow Mindanaoans, these are critical times. We cannot be passive and neutral and allow our history to be rewritten. We must act now. If we don’t, chances are, the beneficiaries of these lies and misinformation may come out winners of this year’s national elections. Truth must prevail,” he said.
