Leni calls for moral courage in fight vs crime

MANILA, Philippines - Lawyer Ma. Leonor “Leni” Robredo, the widow of late Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo, yesterday called on Filipinos to develop moral courage and participate in the fight against crime and corruption.

Speaking at the celebration of the 14th anniversary of the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) in Camp Crame, Robredo said the fight against graft, corruption and crime should be of concern for most Filipinos.

“These days, few things could be more important than the fight for graft and corruption, including crimes.  As a mother, nothing could be important than the safety of my children and those closest to me,” she said.

“I look forward to the day that they could walk the streets safe day and night. My husband was a staunch supporter of good governance. He believes good governance could work best with transparency and accountability,” she added.

Robredo said if more people would participate in the fight against crime and corruption, the wheels of justice will not stop.  

“The fight against graft and corruption breaks down secret deals and secret crimes. I find it interesting that if more people are involved and they take an interest in what is happening even the wheels of justice turn faster,” she said.

Robredo said her husband believed “governance has to involve the participation of the citizens, not the sole power of the decision maker at the top. But taking part in good governance in the fight against graft and corruption will require courage from all of us.”

She also called on Filipinos to foster moral courage. “My husband said in a speech at a Napolcom (National Police Commission) ceremony. He said moral courage is as much to be applauded as courage in the line of fire. We all need to be matino and mahusay consistently. This should make us think about the urgency of developing moral courage in our families, in our places of work, in all the circles that we move in,” she said.