Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Vice President Leni Robredo, in her New Year message, called on Filipinos to remain strong and find peace despite a tumultuous year.
“May our homes be filled with light and peace as we welcome the new year. Peace in our homes enables us to remain strong whatever storms may pass our country,” Robredo said.
“We can see the light even in the darkest night as long as we know how to be thankful in our hearts,” she added.
Robredo resigned from President Rodrigo Duterte’s Cabinet on December 5 as chair of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council. She was banned from attending Cabinet meetings due to “irreconcilable differences.”
The Vice President opposes certain issues surrounding the Duterte administration, including alleged extrajudicial killings, the burial of former President Ferdinand Marcos, and the proposed revival of the death penalty.
With Duterte’s administration banking on his “Change is Coming” campaign, the Vice President is also rooting for a good year inspired by change.
“This coming year, may the good kind of change be placed in our hearts, in our daily lives, and in our being Filipinos,” Robredo said.
She also mentioned her own advocacies, which focus on working with the marginalized society.
Robredo ended her message with hopeful note for 2017.
“This new year brings new opportunities. Let us all remain hopeful, always have faith that in the end, what is good and what is right will prevail. Once again, a happy new year to all of us,” she said.
