In a system that tends to gravitate towards abuse of power and graft and

corruption, Filipinos deserve nothing less than transparent, accountable, and mass-
oriented leaders—leaders who understand the struggles of the poor and have immersed
themselves in the harrowing conditions of the marginalized.
Upon fault-finding and reliable research, it is my personal choice to support the
tandem of Vice President Leni Robredo and Kiko Pangilinan in the upcoming
Presidential and Vice-Presidential elections. Allow me to expound and argue why these
two public servants are the most qualified to take the seats of the highest office of the
government, based on these three grounds:
Leni Robredo and Kiko Pangilinan’s credentials speak for experienced and
quality leadership that the Philippines is in urgent need of.
A graduate of BA Economics in University of the Philippines Diliman, a decade-
long lawyer in practice from Sentro ng Alternatibong Lingap Panligal (SALIGAN), and
the founder of Kababaihan ng Naga Federation, Vice President Leni Robredo has
manifested through the years that she has the knowledge and credibility to be
President. During her tenure in the Public Attorney’s Office in the City of Naga, she has
represented farmers, women, and children along their fight against abuse and
exploitation. As a Congresswoman, she co-drafted and -authored relevant bills about
government transparency, education, and anti-discrimination. As a Vice President, she
spearheaded several initiatives that successfully responded to the impending need of
the people amid the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters, and marital disputes.
Impressively, the Office of the Vice President has received the highest audit rating from
the Commission on Audit and has been ISO 9001:2015 certified.
Kiko Pangilinan does not differ. A graduate of Bachelor of Arts in English and
Bachelor of Laws from the University of the Philippines, his public service has been
present since 1992 from being a Quezon City Councilor to Senator of the Philippines.
He has a master’s degree in Public Administration in Harvard University, and the
expertise that he gained from this education was materialized through the bills and
legislations that he authored and sponsored. To name a few, Sagip Saka Act, Juvenile
Justice and Welfare Act, Free Internet Access in Public Places Act, and Coconut
Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act.
Indeed, education will not absolutely define the leadership that a public servant
will provide, but their credentials will firmly imply where their principles are grounded on.
The Leni-Kiko tandem has always stood for the abused and underprivileged – radiating
what type of leadership they can provide.
The Leni-Kiko’s tandem’s stance on societal issues and disputes are
compassionate and inclusive, with concrete plans already outlined:
On pandemic response, Leni-Kiko propounded a comprehensive plan to end the
COVID-19 crisis through increasing the allocated funds for the country’s healthcare
system, adding more hospital beds, hiring more medical workers and modifying their
shifts for more efficient service. Along with this is the promise to give workers their
rightful hazard pay, insurance, and allowances.
On education and youth, Robredo laid down her intention to earmark P68 billion
educational aid that is expected to suffice the expenses of Filipino students for mobile
credits and modules. Safe reopening of schools based on a risk assessment map is
also the tandem’s priority, together with its planned partnership with internet service
providers and telecommunications companies for accessible learning.
On human rights, prevention and rehabilitation-focused is Robredo’s strategy for
anti-drug campaign, moving away from Duterte administration’s extra-judicial killings. At
the same time, the tandem is also firm in abolishing NTF-ELCAC which has unjustifiably
red-tagged numerous civilians, putting the same in danger.
On employment, Robredo has plans to reinforce key industries and spawn jobs
for Filipinos, meaning to spend P192 billion on the said plan. Public services and social
safety nets are within the tandem’s priority, hoping to earmark P216 billion from the
national budget to distribute these funds by utilizing the National ID System.
These enumerated are only few of the concrete plans that the Leni-Kiko tandem
offers the Philippines. Leni Robredo ang Kiko Pangilinan have been with, since then,
the masses even before they seek for the positions they are vying for. They have
always reiterated their position against tyranny and dictatorship, implying their absolute
denouncement on flagrant misinformation and historical distortion which threaten the
future of the Philippine society. In a supposedly democratic republic Filipinos move
within, Filipinos are entitled to a government that strongly asserts their rights and
ultimately fight for and with them. Thus, we deserve not politicians, but public servants
who are consistent in insisting and defending our freedoms. Leni Robredo and Kiko
Pangilinan have proven that during crucial times, being present is impactful.