Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 13) — Presidential candidate Vice President Leni Robredo on Sunday expressed her gratitude to her supporters, saying the “love” she has been receiving from them pushes her to work more than 18 hours.
“Para po sa inyo talagang sinisipagan namin. Alam po natin na marami tayong kailangan trabahuhin, pero ‘yung pinapakita niyong pagmamahal, ayun ‘yung nagbibigay sa amin ng lakas, para araw-araw, gigising nang maaga [at] more than 18 hours magtatrabaho,” Robredo said during her proclamation rally at the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City.
[Translation: We are working hard for you. We know that there are still many things to be done, but the love you are giving us encourages us to wake up every day and to work more than 18 hours.]
“Ginagawa po natin ‘yan para mas maraming kababayan natin ang makausap natin,” she added.
[Translation: We are doing this so that we can reach out to more people.]
Around 20,000 pink-clad supporters showed up for her proclamation rally. Robredo said she was surprised with the overwhelming support that she and her running mate Senator Kiko Pangilinan have been receiving.
“Kahit saan po kami pumunta, nagugulat kami sa dami ng tao na nagpapakita ng suporta,” she said.
[Translation: Whenever we go, we are surprised with the number of people showing their support.]
“At mahahalata mo po sa enerhiya ng tao na hindi ito basta-basta suporta sa isang kandidato, kundi ito ‘yung pakadesidido na tumaya. Hindi lang dahil mahal kami ni Senator Kiko, pero nalalaman na ang tinatayaan nila ay kinabukasan ng kanilang mga anak at apo.”
[Translation: You can feel from their energy that they are not just simply supporting a candidate, but they are decided to take chances. Not just because they love Senator Kiko and I, but they are taking chances for the future of their children and grandchildren.]
In a presidential forum, Roberdo said she works an average of 18 hours a day.
In a satirical video released on Feb. 10, Senator Imee Marcos, sister of presidential candidate Bongbong Marcos, said people should learn how to manage their time. The video ended with a text that read: “Anyone who claims to work 18 hours a day is either lying or stupid.” The video drew flak from workers.
Presidential bet and labor leader Leody De Guzman said some people tend to work beyond the regular working hours to earn more.
“Dahil sa kababaan ng sweldo, hindi lang nag-oobertaym kundi may sideline pa ang marami sa ating mga manggagawa,” he said in a statement on Saturday.
[Translation: Because of the low salary, some are not just working overtime but they are also taking side jobs.]
