Escudero, Robredo: What sets them apart?

Senator Francis Escudero and Camarines Sur Representative Leni Robredo face a forum at the University of the Philippines, and discuss their positions on major issues.

The two Bicolanos have similar backgrounds but their views differ on the Aquino administration and the role a vice president should play.

Ayee Macaraig reports. – Rappler.com

 

It’s a forum that’s supposed to gather all 6 vice presidential candidates, but only Senator Francis Escudero and Camarines Sur Representative Leni Robredo brave a crowd of students and supporters at the University of the Philippines.

The two lawmakers engage in a friendly exchange on policies.

Escudero speaks from his experience as a long-term legislator while newcomer Robredo talks about participatory leadership she learned as an alternative lawyer, and widow of former interior secretary Jesse Robredo.

They agree on the need for a freedom of information law, funding agriculture and state universities, and eliminating contractualization.

While they’re both administration allies they have slightly different assessments of the Aquino record.

FRANCIS ESCUDERO, VICE-PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: 6-7, if you’re nice, 7. The administration showed the straight path. That it’s possible not to steal and benefit from office. The shortcoming is the slow action on programs, underspending.

LENI ROBREDO, VICE-PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: 7-8, because of anti-corruption. The best example is DPWH, it used to be super mistrusted but now one of the most trusted agencies. JC I don’t think it’s a correct position to justify traffic as a result of progress. It’s true we have progress but it’s not an excuse for us not to fix the traffic.

The two defend their presidential candidates from criticism.

Escudero talks about Senator Grace Poe’s inexperience.

FRANCIS ESCUDERO, VICE-PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: In 2010, Secretary Roxas had more experience than President Aquino but people chose to support President Aquino perhaps because it was his time. It’s not certain that his running mate’s time will come.

While Robredo explains former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas’ role during Super Typhoon Yolanda.

LENI ROBREDO, VICE-PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: When Yolanda happened, Secretary Mar was there. We weren’t there to judge all that they did. I want to believe that he did everything he could. But I believe even if he did, it’s not perfect. There were many shortcoming, not just of Secretary Mar.

 But the two also face questions on their own controversies.

Students ask Escudero why he supported the corruption-tainted Vice President Jejomar Binay in 2010.

FRANCIS ESCUDERO, VICE-PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: I supported him despite everything. I didn’t know. We all found out when the witnesses came out in the Senate. Before that, I just heard rumors. But when the evidence came out, until now, he’s not answering the allegations. How can you support him?

Robredo also clarifies her recent statement on presidential bet Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.

LENI ROBREDO, VICE-PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: The question was whether I am in favor of an ironclad, Duterte-style of leadership. I said no, because we in Naga practiced participatory leadership. We achieved a lot.

What role do they envision as vice president?

Escudero says he will follow the Constitution, and accept any appointment the next president gives him.

A reluctant candidate, Robredo says the best vice president… is one who never dreams of replacing the chief executive.

Both lawyers.

Both Bicolanos.

Both UP graduates.

Senator Francis Escudero and Congresswoman Leni Robredo have many things in common, including some points in their platforms of government.

What then sets a candidate apart?

Beyond promises and platitudes, as Robredo says, integrity and character give meaning and weight in a crowded vice presidential race.

Ayee Macaraig, Rappler.