John Paulo Bencito
PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III on Thursday joined the supporters of the Liberal Party’s standard bearer Manuel Roxas II and his running mate, Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo, in a mass at the Manila Cathedral before the two filed their certificates of candidacy at the Comelec offices nearby.
Roxas was accompanied by his wife Korina Sanchez while Robredo was with her daughters Aika, Tricia and Jillian.
Presidential sisters Ballsy Cruz and Viel Dee also attended the mass, as well as Budget Secretary Florencio Abad.
“I am excited,” Aquino told reporters after the mass.
He said he prayed for many things—including the country’s being safe from a coming storm.
“So many things. There’s a low-pressure area and the storm,” Aquino said.
After filing their certificates, Roxas and Robredo signed the Integrity Pledge board at the designated media center, and then delivered brief speeches highlighting their promise to continue the work of the present administration.
Roxas said he and Robredo believed that the people would choose the right candidates for the 2016 elections.
“Leni and I are all in by filing our CoCs,” Roxas said.
“We will give our all for this fight. It’s a fight that we should pursue for our countrymen, for the Filipino family and for the comfort that everyone dreams of.”
Robredo said she was content to be Roxas’ running mate despite not being the Liberal Party’s first choice.
“It’s still a privilege and an honor to be considered for this post,” she said.
“All those who had been considered had been preparing for a national post for a very long time, and I think I’m the only one without preparation.”
Robredo said filing her certificate meant offering herself to the public for a higher degree of service.
Her kids were all smiles as she did.
Aika, Robredo’s eldest daughter, posted a selfie on her Instagram account together with her sisters Tricia and Jillian.
She also posted a caption saying “one big fight!” accompanied with the hashtag LabanLeni.
Before Roxas and Robredo filed their certificates, a fiesta-like atmosphere greeted them and President Aquino after the mass.
Supporters wearing their signature yellow shirts and carrying banners chanted “Roxas na, Robredo pa” when the three got out of the church.
The three then mingled with their supporters who took the chance to have selfies with them.
A group performed a dragon dance on the street, after which Aquino, Roxas, and Robredo proceeded to Plaza Roma where a tent was set up. They ate breakfast with their families.
A few minutes before 9 a.m., Aquino accompanied Roxas and Robredo to the Comelec main office, but left when the two went inside the Comelec building.
Robredo said she would not have said “yes” to running for vice president if she felt she wasn’t ready for it.
She said she had always believed in fate.
“I am fully aware of the fact that among the contenders I am not the most popular of all,” Robredo said.
“I realize I have to introduce myself to the entire country. Many do not recognize me. Compared to all the other contenders I have the least resource, so I need to work harder.”