Leni Robredo on ‘Mar-Leni’ tandem: We can never plan ahead

MANILA, Philippines – Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo said she is not closing doors on the idea of running with Liberal Party’s standard bearer Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas.

Although Robredo previously pronounced that she is not running for vice president, she has now changed her tone and hinted on being open for a possibility of a vice presidential bid.

Asked if she is completely closing doors to a ‘Mar-Leni’ tandem for the 2016 elections, Robredo said it is not an option but she can never tell and plan ahead.

The widow of former Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo admitted that there are more politicians qualified for the vice presidential post based on their experience than her.

“’Pag iniisip ko ngayon, hindi talaga opsyon pero parang napakahirap sabihin na, parang mahirap na masabi nang patapos. Parang 'yun 'yung lesson na nakuha ko 'nung nawala 'yung asawa ko. Parang we can never really plan too far ahead,” Robredo said in an interview with DZMM.

Robredo however clarified that Roxas did not invite her to run as his vice president.

Instead, over a month ago, Robredo said she was asked if she has plans to run for a Senate seat.

“Dinicuss ko nga sa kaniya that it was really an option pero marami kasi akong consideration. Una ang distrito ko, tapos ang mga bata,'' Robredo, who has 3 children, said. "Nag-usap kami na patuloy na magdi-discern kung ano talaga.”

Robredo said that she has a long way to go with the survey numbers and disclosed that, as of now, she is only eyeing on retaining her post as Camarines Sur Rep.

On Wednesday, civil society groups and various government official and personalities launched the “Leni Robredo for Vice President Movement” urging Robredo to run for the second highest post in the country. It was initiated by the Kaya Natin Movement.