Robredo’s visit to Ate Vi has netizens buzzing

MANILA, Philippines – Netizens are speculating whether Batangas 6th District Rep. Vilma Santos-Recto would endorse presidential candidate Vice President Leni Robredo, after the latter visited the former’s home in Lipa City last Saturday.

Robredo visited the Rectos before their grand rally in Bauan town, which gathered around 280,000 supporters.

Netizens reacted on Twitter, with the hashtag #AteVi, to a photo release showing Santos-Recto welcoming Robredo at a lunch with Sen. Ralph Recto and Sen. Kiko Pangilinan.

Recto heads the One Batangas party, and had earlier endorsed Manila Mayor Isko Moreno for president, promising him one million votes from the province.

In a phone interview, when asked if welcoming Robredo at their home translated to her support for Robredo’s presidential bid, Santos-Recto said, “I will vote based on my beliefs. We need a leader with vision, action, and can inspire people… I don’t believe in branding.”

280,000 supporters

Batangueños welcomed Robredo – who was accompanied by daughters, Aika, Tricia and Jillian – and Pangilinan with coffee, confetti and fireworks on Saturday, culminating with a record-breaking attendance of 280,000 supporters at the “Barako para kay Leni-Kiko” grand rally held at Catalina Lake Residences in Bauan, Batangas.

Robredo was endorsed by Batangas 2nd District Rep. Raneo Abu at the grand rally, who gave a rousing introduction for the presidential aspirant.

“Batangueño, this is the night that each one of us creates a spark… a spark that will give light not only in Batangas, but to all of the Philippines,” Abu said in Filipino. – Pia Lee-Brago, Ben Serrano