A lady with ‘steel balls’

Last Dec. 3 I saw a nice selfie of a high school classmate with Vice President Leni Robredo on Facebook. Apparently, Robredo was the guest of honor at a Christmas event in a bazaar in Alabang. I thought how approachable and genuine the Vice President really is. Little did I know, little did the whole nation and Vice President Robredo know that it would be her last weekend as a member of the Cabinet.

Everyone was taken aback by the turn of events. It was like a boyfriend breaking up with his girlfriend via a text message. Maybe the “bf” had no balls to break the news himself that he had to delegate the dirty job to a subordinate.

As I watched the Vice President’s press briefing the following Monday, in my head I had to salute her for her bravery and for being an empowered, courageous woman. She has balls. Balls of steel. And man enough to read between the lines of that fateful text message and act on it.

I voted for another vice presidential candidate in the last elections. I did not vote for her. I am not affiliated or a supporter of any political party or color. But I am a Bicolano, and Bicolanos are known to be “maoragon” (brave, fearless, epitome of excellence).

To Vice President Leni Robredo: Maoragon kang babae. Dai ka magpadaog sa prinsipyo mo. Tabangan ka ning Diyos sa mga pagsubok mo ngunyan.

PAMELA I. CLAVERIA, MD, Parañaque City