Leni Robredo to run as Mar's VP

MANILA, Philippines —  Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo on Monday formally accepted to be the running mate of Liberal Party (LP) standard-bearer Manuel "Mar" Roxas II.

Roxas officially proclaimed Robredo as the LP's vice-presidential candidate during the event dubbed as "Daang Matuwid: To Be Continued" at the historic Club Filipino attended by the party's chairperson, President Benigno Aquino III.

"Matapos po ng malalim na pag-iisip, malawak na konsultasyon, at taimtim na dalangin – buong puso, buong pananampalataya at buong-tapat ko pong tinatanggap ang hamon na tumakbo bilang pangalawang pangulo ni Mar Roxas," Robredo said in her acceptance speech.

"Ibinibigay ko po ang aking sarili ng buong buo sa ating mga kababayan, lalong lalo na sa inyong mga tsinelas na nasa labas, nasa ibaba at nasa laylayan ng lipunan," she added.

Robredo, the widow of former Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo, is finally running for vice president after her earlier reluctance to seek a higher post, citing discussions with her three daughters.

In her speech, Robredo explained why she initially did not want to run for vice president, saying she was used to be just behind her husband, who died in a plane crash in August 2012.

However, Robredo also noted that her husband would not sleep until he had done everything he can for the people.

Citing her achievements and experience as a one-term congresswoman, Robredo vowed to continue his husband's legacy.

"Hindi po ako si Jesse. Ngunit noong namatay po siya, maliwanag po sa aming mag-iina na siya ay umaasa, na sa abot ng aming makakaya, susubukan din naming magsakripisyo, gaya ng kanyang pagsasakripisyo, para makapag-ambag para sa ating bayan," she said.

For his part, Roxas lauded Robredo and her daughters for their "sacrifice" and desire to serve the country.

"Kailangan ka naming lahat para pag-isahin ang reporma... Hindi madali ang laban na ito pero kaming lahat ay nasa likod mo," Roxas said.

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She was expected to be announced as the party's second top bet during the party's convention last week but she asked for more time for discernment.

The LP officially proclaimed the Roxas-Robredo tandem before a crowd composed of Cabinet members, LP officials and representatives from civil society organizations and sectoral groups.

Aquino, who endorsed Roxas as his preferred successor in July 31, has maintained that the former Cabinet official is capable of continuing the "Daang Matuwid" platform of his administration.

In an interview with reporters two weeks ago, Aquino expressed confidence that a Roxas-Robredo leadership will continue and even surpass the achievements of his administration.

"Kung 'yung nagawa na natin at pinagtulungan nitong papuntang anim na taon, 'pag ikinumpara doon sa gagawin nitong dalawa, palagay ko masasabing sobrang layo 'nung nagawa na dahil mag-uumpisa na naman siyempre sa mas mataas na antas," he said.

Aquino said Robredo would be a good vice president, saying she's not a traditional politician.

"Si Leni palagay ko positibong-positibo ang imahe... kung maghahanap ka ng talagang hindi pwedeng masasabing 'trapo' o traditional politician parang, 'di ba, 'yon ang isa sa mga mukha nito — si Leni Robredo," the president said.

"Ang dami na niyang dinemonstrate na kahanga-hanga talaga. So, ito, isasama niya sa pagkampanya—kasama ni Mar at 'pag pinalad silang dalawa—mayroon tayong talagang isang team na talagang magpapabilis ng lahat ng nagawa na natin dito sa 'Daang Matuwid,'" Aquino added. — with reports from Alexis Romero and Patricia Lourdes Viray