Vice President Leni Robredo on Friday said one must win an election not because of money but because of good governance.
Speaking during the graduation rites of the third installment of the Leaders for Excellence and Public Service (LEAP) Mayors’ Fellowship Program, Robredo vividly recalled how her late husband, Jesse Robredo, was able to win as mayor of Naga City.
Jesse, a Department of the Interior and Local Government secretary at the time of his death, won through his good performance, and not through money, she said, adding that it was her late husband who established the Naga City People's Council when he was the city mayor for 18 years.
"In Naga, one can win even without (the use of) money. One can win an election without spending too much. One only spend for the watchers, the operational cost of the headquarters, and the food for the volunteers. But there is no money involved. That is not applicable in Naga because the people are empowered," she said.
“That (people empowerment) is the biggest legacy that my husband left behind. We hope we can maintain this. The challenge for us is how to make sure that the attitude of the people would be that way until the end," she said.
She said her husband belonged to the opposition party, therefore Naga City did not always have the support of the government.
Despite such, Jesse was able to hurdle the challenges and draw support from the private sector and the international community.
"Some are not pleased, but the lesson is, we should be able to stand our ground in doing the right thing, especially in times of darkness," the Vice President said.
“After all, nobody shines when the lights are bright. The bright light shines in the dark,” she added.