Is it time? Netizens react to Roxas’ invitation to Robredo

MANILA, Philippines — Administration standard-bearer Manuel “Mar” Roxas II formally asked Camarines Sur Representative Leni Robredo to be the ruling party’s vice presidential candidate on Friday, September 18, according to reports.

MovePH asked netizens how they feel about the possible tandem. 

Some netizens expressed their support for Robredo, stressing how different she is from traditional politicians.

Leni Robredo can be the change we need. the as cabinet members & the head of each gov’t agencies should accept the changes. #wipeoutdcorrupt

— elainecedillo (@elainecedillo) September 18, 2015

Leni Robredo’s possible bid for Vice Presidency may be another inspiring underdog story in the Philippine Elections. #VPLeni2016 #Bicol4Leni

— Jofer Asilum (@yourjoferhero) September 18, 2015

If Leni Robredo decides to run as VP, I would personally campaign for her! She is what the country needs. Exciting times for PHL politics!

— Christie Bacal (@Chinkai) September 18, 2015

Go Leni Robredo! Seeing you around the city living in simplicity and humility makes you one of a kind candidate for a national post.

— lolits (@hehelsie) September 18, 2015

For now, ill go for Mar – Leni Robredo tandem. We’ll see if someone better in the coming months can change it.

— Marty (@martaden) September 18, 2015

Others were not as pleased with the Mar-Leni tandem, asking the latter to switch running mates. Some netizens were wishing for a Poe-Robredo tandem instead. 

Kung sakaling manalo si Sen. Grace Poe at Rep. Leni Robredo, edi wow naman yun. All girls 1-2 punch. ✊

— Judie Anne Doroja (@demandeeng) September 18, 2015

Grace Poe at Leni Robredo dapat eh girl power hahahahahaha

— FEJ (@_seriousblack04) September 18, 2015

Mar Roxas asked Leni Robredo to be his running mate. If I were Mrs. Robredo… I will run…. Run away from Mar!

— Genkuro Shuriken (@Genkuro1030) September 18, 2015

I will support Ms. Leni Robredo but not Mar Roxas. #Opinion #Decision

— Veronica Roxas (@veroaroxas) September 18, 2015

However, not all netizens were supportive of the lawmaker. Some were discouraging Robredo from runnning for higher office for now. 

@lenirobredo as tempting as it is, please decline.

— BiPolar Express (@dead_stan) September 18, 2015

not now madame Leni Robredo.. or let say not with Mar Roxas 🙁

— bethebestyou (@iyansofficial) September 18, 2015

Leni Robredo for VP? hay wala naba silang mapili na iba? Na yung totoong may talent at may platforms hindi yung dhl sikat lang?

— Eyeban E. (@Eyebanatog) September 18, 2015

To be clear: I understand completely why people want @lenirobredo to run for VP. Just don’t agree with the pressuring part.

— Jego Ragragio (@raggster) September 18, 2015

Really like Leni Robredo. Her husband was an excellent man. But wish she won’t run yet. She has potential, but don’t think the time is right

— kobe lacsamana (@kobeemamba) September 18, 2015

Right time?

Robredo, the widow of former interior secretary Jesse Robredo, has said she would carefully think about the offer before making her final decision. Robredo’s statement comes two days after Senator Grace Poe announced her presidential run.

She earlier expressed her hesitation saying it was “too soon” for someone like her, a neophyte lawmaker. But in September, her supporters launched a “one million signatures” campaign to convince her to run in 2016. 

Robredo first joined the House of Representatives in 2013, putting an end to the Villafuerte dynasty in Camarines Sur. She graduated from the University of the Philippines-Diliman in 1986 with a degree in economics. In 1992, she earned her law degree at the University of Nueva Caceres in Naga City.

Prior to entering politics, Robredo had a law practice. She is also active in civil society organizations – she is the founder of Lakas ng Kababaihan ng Naga (Strength of Naga’s Women), former president of the Naga City Council for Women, and a former member of Federacion Internacional de Abogados.

Robredo is the vice chairperson of the House committees on good government and public accountability, and revision of laws. She has authored a number of House measures, including the Full Disclosure Bill, which proposes to require government agencies to disclose all their budget and financial transactions.

She also filed and co-wrote bills on improving the tax system, the right to information, citizen participation in the budget process, the benefits of barangay health workers, mental health policies, and food security.

What do you think – should Robredo run or not? Tell us the kind of leaders you want using #TheLeaderIWant. Reach us through move.ph@rappler.com, Facebook, or tweet us at @moveph. – Rappler.com