NAGA City mayor and former vice president Leni Robredo said she genuinely wished President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. success in his term, even after losing to him in the 2022 presidential elections, stressing that the country’s progress depends on the President’s performance.
“It’s sad what’s happening to the country, lalo na sa politika,” Robredo said in an interview. “And even if I lost, talagang in all honesty, I wished the President well from the moment that I accepted the defeat.”
She explained that her wish for Marcos’ success was rooted in concern for the nation rather than political rivalry, noting that the failure of any sitting President ultimately affects ordinary Filipinos.
“I want him to succeed because his success would be the success of the country naman,” Robredo said. “So nalulungkot ako na nangyayari ito. Nalulungkot ako na it has come to this point.”
Robredo also spoke about a growing sense of helplessness amid political developments, describing how the situation leaves many Filipinos questioning the country’s direction.
“Parang it gives you a sense of kind of helplessness,” she said. “Saan na ba tayo patutungo?”
She stressed that political disagreements should not overshadow the shared goal of national progress, emphasizing that governance should rise above personal or partisan interests.
Robredo ran against Marcos in the 2022 presidential race and conceded defeat shortly after the elections.
