Simply like Jesse: Leni Robredo still takes public bus to Naga

MANILA, Philippines - After the late Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo met his untimely death last year, big things have happened to his family like the election of his wife Leni to Congress.

But some things never change.

Leni Robredo, the Third District Representative of Camarines Sur, said their lifestyle remains the same, despite her being a lawmaker now.

"It's crucial for a public official to remain the person that you were before you started," she told Philstar.com

"Everyday, I have to remind myself: one of the reasons why my husband was revered and honored was the fact that even after long years in government, he was able to maintain [such simple lifestyle]."

Robredo said they are still living in their same house in Naga City and in the same small condo unit of his husband's mother in Manila.

The neophyte lawmaker still also takes a public bus to Naga City whenever they go home there during weekends.

But other passengers are not shocked, she said, since seeing the Robredos taking a public bus is "very ordinary" to the people of Naga.

"Kahit nung buhay pa 'yung asawa ko, sanay silang nakikita kaming naka-bus. Hindi 'yun novelty sa kanila. Walang nagugulat 'pag kasakay nila kami sa bus kasi we do that all the time," Robredo said.

Still a mom, but difficult

And despite her hectic schedule as a public servant, Robredo also wants to remain unchanged as a mother as she tries to fulfill her duties to her three children. But she admits of having difficulties in juggling her work and family role.

Robredo said she often brings some work at home while trying to address the needs of the family. The lawmaker said she still helps her kids in their homework.

"It is something that I need to get used to... It will take time before I learn to juggle everything," she said.

Robredo admitted that she is unlike her husband, whom she said was good in "compartmentalizing his life" despite of the enormity of his work as a Cabinet official.

The lawmaker said she can't perform like her husband who was still able to give a hundred percent attention to the family at home.

"Mas busy siya sa akin (as Cabinet secretary), but you hear stories that he has time for all," Robredo said. "Ako nga distrito ko lang inaasikaso ko, hirap na hirap na ako. Pero siya yung inspirasyon ko."

"I appreciate my husband more," she said.