Amid bruising campaign, VP Leni tells supporters: ‘Don’t lose hope’ (Sabong News)

Despite the grueling campaign season, Vice President Leni Robredo on Monday, April 18, reminded her volunteers and supporters not to lose hope as there are only 19 days left before the May 9 elections. She also took the time during the Marinduque People’s Rally at the Boac Sports Arena to thank her supporters for betting on her and running mate Sen. Kiko Pangilinan. “Nagpapasalamat ako sa inyo, na kahit mahirap ang panahon, nandito kayo, tumataya. At sigurado ako tumataya kayo hindi lang para sa amin ni Senator Kiko, pero [tumataya] kayo para sa ating minamahal na bayan (I am thankful to you all, even in a difficult time, you are here, betting. And I am sure you are betting not only for me and Senator Kiko, but you are betting for our beloved country),” Robredo said. “Kaya sana po, huwag kayong mapanghinaan ng loob (Hopefully, you don’t lose hope),” she added. The Vice President reminded her supporters that they still have a task left if they haven’t convinced their families to vote for her. However, she also stressed that they should do the convincing calmly. “‘Yung mga kapamilya na hindi pa kumbinsido, kailangan nating kumbinsihin. Pero ‘yung pagkukumbinse, sa mahinahon na pakiusap (We need to convince the unconvinced family members. But convincing should be done in a calm manner),” Robredo said. “Dapat malakas ‘yung loob natin dahil ang dala-dala natin, katotohanan lang. At ang katotohanan, parati siyang mangingibabaw kumpara sa kasinungalingan (We should be brave because we bring truth. And the truth will always prevail against lies),” the Vice President added. While she was reading the placards carried by her supporters, Robredo noticed this: “It is such an honor to see the next President of the Philippines.” “Dapat ang Presidente, laging nakikita, di ba? Ako ‘yung mapapangako ko sa inyo, ako ‘yung Presidente na lagi niyong makakasama. Ako ‘yung Presidente na pareho niyo lang, hindi problema ang malapitan (The President should always be seen, right? What I can promise to you, I will be a President who will always be with you. I am the President who’s just like you, being near me is not a problem),” Robredo answered. Marinduqueños performed the “Putong”, a traditional song and dance presentation meant to bless the guests of honor on Robredo and Pangilinan during the People’s Rally.