Vice President Leni Robredo on Friday reiterated her belief “the last man standing is still a woman” in the 2022 presidential elections.
Robredo took part in the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) Presidential Forum with four other presidential candidates – labor leader Ka Leody de Guzman, Senators Panfilo Lacson and Manny Pacquiao, and Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso.
Former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos declined to participate.
In a statement, Robredo apologized for her bad internet connectivity during the forum.
“The fault is all mine,” she said.
When asked why the people should vote her, Robredo replied: “True leadership is stepping up or showing up whether there is an election or none, whether one is a candidate or not.”
“I have been sincere and consistent in serving the people, not by promises but by deeds. I have always been told that I am weak because I was a woman but I have never backed out from any challenges, such as the Marawi siege, problem on drugs, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, typhoons and COVID-19 pandemic,” she told the forum.
“If I am needed, I will be there,” the Vice President said.
The presidential candidate said she is offering a sincere, dedicated, honest, committed, and diligent governance to the voters.
“I will never fool you, steal from you, leave you behind, or abandon you. I am very much ready to face the challenges to be a President,” she said.
“Now in 2022, the last man standing will still be a woman,” Robredo added.
Meanwhile, Robredo said she does not oppose a background check for all public servants because this is part of ensuring transparency in government.
“Dapat talaga ginagawa ang background check, hindi lamang sa mga aspirants pero lahat na public officials. Kasi ang public office is a public trust,” Robredo said at the “Panata Sa Bayan: The KBP Presidential Forum” on Friday.
She made the statement in response to a question posed by panelist Elmar Acol. The veteran journalist wanted to know Robredo’s take on President Rodrigo Duterte’s recent statement that he will divulge the names of presidential candidates involved in corruption.
Duterte had said the Philippine National Police (PNP) is already investigating presidential aspirants and doing background checks.
Robredo, whose Office of The Vice President (OVP) has scored the highest audit rating in the last three years, stressed how crucial it is for voters to know the accusations lobbied against candidates.
The forum was broadcast live over 300 TV networks and radio stations nationwide, with additional global livestreaming services over the internet.