Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — For the first time since announcing her vice presidential bid, administration bet Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo surged ahead in a survey.
Robredo said it motivates her more. “Lalong ginaganahan dahil nakikita na bearing fruit yung ating pagpapagpd,” Robredo said. [It inspires me because I can see that my hard work is bearing fruit.]
Robredo said it will be a challenge to stay in the lead, especially with some administration allies jumping ship, like Albay governor Joey Salceda who has declared his support for the tandem of senators Grace Poe and Francis “Chiz” Escudero.
But while she appears to be gaining ground, Robredo said her presidential running mate, Manuel “Mar” Roxas II, needs a little help.
“Kaya siguro gusto ko bumalik sa Bicol especially with what happened kay Gov[ernor] Joey, gusto ko balikan para ipakiusap din si Sec[retary] Mar,” Robredo said in an interview. [I want to go back to Bicol, especially with what happened to Governor Joey, and ask (support for) Secretary Mar.]
The Liberal Party (LP) believes those who pushed Robredo ahead will propel Roxas forward come election day.
“It is the strength of this same base that we trust will give Mar a game-changing surge in these last two weeks,” LP spokesman Akbayan Partylist Rep. Barry Gutierrez said.
Roxas said he and Robredo are helping each other. “The Leni voter is a Mar Voter. Vice versa. We are mutually reinforcing.”
Meanwhile, Roxas, during his campaign in Region 3 on Monday (April 25), took the chance to take a swipe at his rival Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, who is currently leading presidential surveys.
He challenged Duterte to quit if he fails to prove that Davaoeños received health assistance — like what Duterte claimed in the last presidential debate on Sunday (April 24).
“In Davao City alone, last year 2.8 billion pesos ang halaga ng reimbursement ng mga pasyente ng PhilHealth… Tinatanong ko kay Mayor Duterte, lalake ka ba o hindi? May isang salita ka ba o hindi?”
[Translation: “In Davao City alone, there has been 2.8 billion pesos worth of reimbursement by the patients to Philhealth… I’m asking Mayor Duterte, are you a man or not? Are you a man of your word or not?”]
Roxas said the list of beneficiaries is on its way to Duterte’s office.
Also read: SWS survey: Duterte remains presidential frontrunner; Robredo ties Marcos for VP
