Leni Robredo for president?

The Camarines Sur 3rd District Representative’s name is being floated as a possible presidential candidate amid concerns among allies of President Benigno Aquino III about the chances of presumed standard bearer and Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas  in the 2016 polls.

Apparently, there are various groups that are hoping the wife of the late Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo will decide to run for a national position – if not the presidency. They think she’ll be the perfect challenger to Vice President Jejomar Binay – a woman, with a fresh, clean image, and a compelling story to boot. Oh, and let’s not forget how closely allied she is with Aquino.

Leni’s husband was Interior Secretary when his plane crashed off the coast of Masbate in 2012. Jesse was well-loved, and had a squeaky clean reputation. His death also thrust Leni into the spotlight.

In the House of Representatives, congressmen allied with the Liberal Party are asking each other if they have any other alternatives to Roxas. While some are considering a transfer to the camp of the hugely popular Binay, many of them are torn. A significant number is loyal to Aquino and supposedly can’t stomach Binay. They want to keep supporting the administration but also want someone they can bet on.

Latest surveys show Binay is enjoying a 41% voters’ preference rate among potential presidential candidates, way ahead of Roxas’ 7% ratings. 

And it’s not only Aquino allies in the House that are worried about the numbers. Even within the inner circle of Aquino, there is said to be considerable doubt that they have a winnable standard bearer. 

The thing is: will Robredo be open to the idea? Even running for Congress was a difficult decision for the simple housewife, who said she would just serve for one term. She was finally convinced after much clamor from her constituents, submitting her Certificate of Candidacy on the day of the deadline.

Good luck convincing Leni, politicos. But then again, maybe all she needs is the same clamor – she garnered 80% of votes in her district – that got her that seat in Congress. – Rappler.com