THE Federation of Free Workers (FFW) on Friday “strongly urged” former vice president Ma. Leonor “Leni” Robredo to run for the Senate in the 2025 national and local elections.
FFW’s call came after Albay 1st District Rep. Edcel Lagman announced that Robredo could possibly run for mayor of Naga City in Camarines Sur, a government position her late husband Jesse held before he was appointed interior and local government secretary.
“The nation and the common good need more women representation in the Senate to ensure that diverse perspectives are included in the decision-making process at the highest levels of government,” FFW President Sonny Matula said in a statement
According to Matula, a former senatorial candidate under Robredo’s slate in 2022, the former vice president is “exceptionally qualified” for the Senate and believes that her leadership would have a “more profound impact at the national level.”
“Robredo’s integrity and distinguished leadership as Vice President, along with her prior experience as a legislator in the House of Representatives, make her exceptionally qualified for the Senate. Her track record demonstrates a deep commitment to advocating for women, workers, and marginalized communities. Her presence in the Senate would bring these critical issues to the forefront of national governance,” Matula said.
“When VP Leni ran for president, she created a people’s movement for the empowerment of the marginalized and vigilance for good governance that has reverberated across the country, way after the electoral campaign,” he added.
The labor leader said Robredo’s charisma had “filled big football stadiums and wide avenues,” and her “calm demeanor invites peace and dialogue amid chaos.”
Robredo was also branded as a “champion of the marginalized” by the labor leader.
While Robredo has not publicly announced her run as mayor of Naga City, her Facebook post showed her meeting actress Julia Barretto in the city, since the actress’ movie “(Un)happily For You” is being shot there.
