Vice President and presidential aspirant Leni Robredo said reforms in governance are forthcoming to replace the old system of transactional patronage politics with clean and competent administration.
She stressed, however, that change would come only with the support of the people who want change.
Rohredo made these remarks in her speeches at political rallies during her four-day barnstorming of Central Mindanao, as well as in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), and the Zamboanga peninsula.
“We have plenty of requests for change, but if we don’t make the right choice, we cannot expect anything,” Robredo told the crowd in Pagadian.
The Vice President said unity is important, but it should be the unity of the people to achieve the desired goals for everyone.
“But for us, unity is not for politicians who have different agenda. Unity should be for all Filipinos who can acknowledge responsibility and that they are part of the solution to the problems,” Robredo said.
Under a Robredo administration, she said, areas that need assistance the most would be prioritized and help would not be based on patronage politics.
“We do not look at those who helped and who didn’t help [in our campaign]. Our basis [for decisions] is which areas need help,” Robredo added.
Zamboanga del Sur, one of the poorest provinces in the country, was a recipient of several Angat Buhay projects of the Office of the Vice President..
As she went around Mindanao, Robredo promised a more personal approach to governance, to be always physically present wherever she is needed.
The presidential aspirant also committed to solving the peace and security issues of Mindanao by addressing its root causes through a holistic approach and ensuring local governments get the maximum benefits from the Mandanas ruling.