Leni Robredo and three other Bicolanos for VP
The acceptance by Congresswoman Leni Robredo, after the Liberal Party's long and difficult process of wooing her and her three daughters, has finally sealed the fate of three Bicolanos, who are all aspiring for Vice President. Leni Robredo as the teammate of Mar Roxas, Chiz Escudero as the vice presidential bet of Grace Poe, and Senator Gingo Honasan as VP Jojo Binay's choice for the vice presidency. The three are all from the Bicol region. In addition, there is a fourth Bicolano aiming for the same post, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV. The fifth bet is Alan Peter Cayetano. The best is Leni. Mark my words.
With all due respect, if we are looking for purity of intentions, for unquestioned integrity and for dedication to public service, it is definitely Leni who tops all of the five aspirants. Leni never aspired to occupy a public office. She stood silently at the back and in the shadow of the late Jessie Robredo. She was a simple housewife who struggled as a working student to get a law degree through night classes, while focusing on being a mother to her growing daughters. Leni is a very simple, decent, religious and very humble person. I know her as a "kumadre" in a wedding where Jess merely sat meekly in a corner at a time when he was already the DILG secretary.
When Jessie died in that tragic disaster in a trip from Cebu to Bicol, Leni was called by Jessie's supporters to run against Nelly F. Villafuerte in Naga and the adjacent towns that constitute the third congressional district. Leni, with no money and no machinery, won overwhelmingly against the wife of the patriarch of the political dynasty that dominated the Camarines Sur politics for many decades. Leni performed her job commendably and honestly. She was caught by candid camera lining up to take a public bus in going home to Bicol. She carried a small bag and was without any assistant or security escort.
And who are Leni's opponents? Chiz Escudero, my God! I promise not to say anything if I have nothing positive to say about any person. Just ask his former wife. Just ask the parents of his current wife who refused to attend his wedding. How about Gringo Honasan? What has he done to the nation since he was elected senator by riding on the coattail of his original boss, Juan Ponce Enrile? And he is reportedly facing serious cases before the Ombudsman in connection with pork barrel. And Trillanes? My God, again! What makes him think he can be vice president? Just asking.
A Mar-Leni tandem may be the best of them all. The only other candidate who can give Leni a run for the LP's money is Senator Alan Peter Cayetano. This young guy is much better than Escudero. His messages are very clear. His advocacies are very popular. He had the courage to challenge the former President Gloria Arroyo and her powerful husband when almost everyone was kneeling before the powerful president. On matters of principles, he had the boldness to challenge Juan Ponce Enrile, the former boss of his late father, the late senator Renato "Companero" Cayetano. It is unfortunate that such a good man as Alan may be beaten by Leni.
What is in Bicol that in the coming elections, there are four vice presidentiables all vying for the same post? Well, Bicol has produced Raul Roco, the best president we almost had. This time, I believe, the best candidate from Bicol is Leni, whose charming charisma can definitely add luster and passion to the Mar Roxas' campaign. I think that Leni is better qualified than Vilma Santos. Someday, you, readers shall remember my prediction: Leni may even get more votes than Mar. Mark my words.
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