Some moderates and centrists worry that a Robredo presidency might extend or, worse, fuel even more the highly polarized rift between the DDS and the “Dilawan,” which has been a millstone around our necks.
I disagree. I personally know Leni Robredo to be a persistent consensus-builder, someone who is willing to cooperate even with people who do not belong to her party especially when urgent public service concerns cannot wait.
As a Camarines Sur representative, Robredo worked tirelessly with municipal and barangay officials who were never on her side. I can still vividly remember that rare moment when a Camarines Sur representative and the provincial governor who were not allies spent long hours discussing health concerns in our district, which included building and operating a hospital in one of our larger towns.
A country reeling from a pandemic that has pushed everyone, especially the poor, against the wall badly needs the next president to be someone who can push us to work together in rebuilding this country.
As my former boss, Robredo gave me sleepless nights, as I had to talk with difficult people. It was hard. I don’t miss it. But with that in mind, it’s easy for me to say that someone like her is best for the motherland.
JONAS CABILES SOLTES
Antipolo, Tinambac, Camarines Sur