Robredo in Negros, concedes ‘disadvantages’ of being admin bet

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Philippines – Vice presidential candidate Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo campaigned in this Liberal Party bailiwick on Friday, February 5, and conceded there are also “disadvantages” to being an administration bet.

Robredo met with top local officials here, spoke at a forum with civil society groups, met with Bacolod Bishop Vicente Navarra, and was going to be guest speaker Friday night of the local Zonta group of women professionals.

Asked by reporters if she thinks the recent decision of President Benigno Aquino III on the Social Security System pension would affect her campaign, Robredo acknowledged “it’s the reality.”

She said: “There are many advantages and disadvantages if you’re a candidate of the administration. Lahat na hindi natutuwa sa administrasyon, ikaw isa-sakripisyo. Natural ‘yun.” (Everyone who’s not happy with the administration would naturally turn against you.) 

Robredo however said that she and the Liberal Party standard-bearer, Manuel Roxas II, will explain to voters the President’s “unpopular decision.”

Aquino vetoed in January a House bill which provides for a P2,000-hike in the monthly mention of SSS members. It’s a move that is expected to be raised often during the campaign. 

Robredo said the races are too close to call. 

“If we look at the ratings, it’s everybody’s game,” said the Camarines Sur representative who is running 3rd in the latest Social Weather Stations survey.

“I think his (Roxas) toughest opponent is anyone of the four but of course Vice President Binay has been preparing for this for a long time. He’s very organized,” Robredo said.

Robredo noted that Senators Francis Escudero and Ferdinand Marcos Jr. are her strong opponents in the vice presidential race.

But she stressed that the elections are still 3 months away.

“If we look at election history, anything can still happen in 3 months,” she added. – Marchel Espina/Rappler.com