Vice President Leni Robredo is not at all bothered by the election surveys for President showing her way behind ex-senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
She said she is “not all discouraged by surveys,” saying “this is a fight down to the finish line.”
“I get inspired more because I can feel the energy on the ground,” Robredo added.
Meanwhile, healthcare workers and alumni of the Asian Institute of Management in Cavite are supporting Robredo’s presidential bid.
More than 700 doctors, nurses and other frontliners on Friday came forward and signed a manifesto of support for Robredo and her running mate Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan.
They expressed disappointment over the loss of their fellow health-care workers in their fight against COVID-19.
Results of latest surveys conducted by major polling firms showed the Vice President at second place to Marcos.
“Not at all, not at all,” Robredo replied when asked if the results had discouraged her.
She said when she ran for vice president in 2016, surveys showed people also had less preference for her over other bets, but she rose to No. 3 by March that year and even topped other surveys in April.
“We are a group that usually stays silent about politics, but we realized that a lot of illnesses and plagues that affect not only personal health, but are also rooted in poverty, and a lack of education and right information,” their statement read.
“Choosing a wrong and fake candidate is like choosing the wrong medicine. And the wrong medicine will not lead to healing. Like a patient, the country cannot heal under the wrong care and caregiver,” it stated.
The group urged Caviteños to carefully discern for the elections, saying the election is “the most important battle of our country.”
“Let us not make a mistake, this is the most important battle of our country — the battle for the spirit of all of what our heroes and revolutionaries fought for and the revolutions that we have faced which our province of Cavite was witness to,” it emphasized.
At least 250 alumni of AIM said “Leni Robredo is the leader of our times. She personifies values we stand for. She has shown a demonstrated ability to inspire trust and confidence of the private sector as a key development partner.”
The statement of AIM alumni’s steering committee said the Vice President has proven herself to be a “diligent, incorruptible and effective government official.”
“She has the will, the strength, and the compassion to make it happen. Vote for Leni Robredo. And vote for clean, inclusive, competent governance,” it stated.
Robredo also believes the Catholic Church will not allow itself to be used by politicians.
“That is an insult to the Church. The Church will not allow itself to be used just like that,” she stressed.
She reacted to the statement of Manila City Mayor and presidential bet Isko Moreno’s campaign manager Angelito Banayo questioning her recent meeting with Church leaders supporting her.
“The Church is more established institution than politicians. It won’t allow to be used just because of their inclination to support one politician. My assessment is, it is more active now since it already knows what is at stake,” she said.
Robredo sees nothing wrong if someone would stand for what is right for the country.
“This is not only about supporting someone, but the moral fiber of our country is the one at stake. That is why it (Church) is making a stand here,” she added.
Banayo said even Pope Francis has asked the Church to stay away from politics.
On Thursday, Robredo met with priests in Oriental Mindoro, seeking their help to fight disinformation.