Lucena, Quezon – Former Vice President Leni Robredo returned to the campaign trail Thursday, urging Quezon province supporters to continue the momentum of their 2022 support by backing Senate bets Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan in the upcoming 2025 elections.
Speaking at a rally in the Lucena City Convention Center, Robredo reminded voters:
“Hindi natapos ang laban natin noong 2022, dahil ang laban na ‘yun ay patuloy.”
(“Our fight didn’t end in 2022, because that fight continues.”)
She called on voters to extend the same dedication they showed during her presidential run to Aquino and Pangilinan’s Senate campaigns:
“Sana kung ano ang isinakripisyo niyo noon, ganoon pa rin sana ang handa nating ibigay ngayong 2025.”
(“What you sacrificed in 2022, I hope you can give again this 2025.”)
Bam Aquino’s Push: Jobs and Free Education
Former Senator Bam Aquino joined Robredo onstage, focusing on youth empowerment and educational support. He pledged to restore and increase the budget for the country’s free college education program after a ₱3 billion cut under the 2025 General Appropriations Act.
Aquino, principal author of the 2017 Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, emphasized the need to expand the program by ensuring employment for graduates through his proposed “Siguradong Trabaho” initiative.
“Hindi sapat na libre lang ang kolehiyo… Kailangan pag-graduate ng mga kabataan natin, kailangan ng siguradong trabaho.”
(“Free college isn’t enough… Our youth need guaranteed jobs after graduation.”)
Kiko Pangilinan’s Support and Broader Alliance
Though Pangilinan was campaigning in Misamis Oriental, his brother John represented him in Quezon. Senator Risa Hontiveros also voiced her support, emphasizing unity and grassroots strength:
“Kung magsasama ulit tayo… abot kamay natin ang tagumpay.”
(“If we come together again, victory is within reach.”)
She warned against electing candidates with “red flags” and stressed the need for authentic leadership:
“Tama na ang panloloko nila. Dito tayo sa totoong unity.”
(“Enough with their deception. Let’s go with real unity.”)
Quezon province, a known “Kakampink” stronghold, gave Robredo a commanding lead over Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in 2022—support she now hopes will benefit Aquino and Pangilinan in their Senate bids.