Leni's bold statement

THIS lady continues to impress. A day after saying during a television interview that people should start thinking of themselves less as beneficiaries than as stakeholders in government programs, Leni Robredo told a gathering in Bacolod that it is a wrong reason to vote for her out of sympathy.

It was bold to tell people, who are accustomed to looking at money offered under government poverty alleviation programs as doleouts, to change their mindsets and claim ownership of the program's success or failure. But it was braver still for her to surrender a built-in election advantage that she enjoys over her rivals by virtue of her being the widow of Interior ad Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo.

"It is wrong for you to join me because you take pity on me and because I'm a widow," she told her Bacolod audience in Tagalog. "I think that's wrong. It's better that you will help me because you believe that the country will improve because of me and those who will join us. It's better that we are together not as a party, but because we have the same beliefs."

Seasoned politicians will not be caught making Leni's appeal because at first glance, it smacks of political naïveté. Anything goes in an election campaign, including and most especially an appeal to the emotion. She could have played the role of a grieving widow to the hilt, made wives and and their children weep and husbands feeling sorry for her and her orphaned children.

She could have invoked Jesse's mem- ory, solemnly vowing as a certain presidential candidate does, to continue what her departed loved one has started. She would have been right in making that claim; Jesse had done so much but so much also remained uncompleted at the time and because of his death. And there is no doubt that husband and wife embraced the same idealism, the same brand of public service.

But no, she would no do that because it is wrong, she says. She could have added: Jesse was a model, one that the others could only wish they had, and I am mighty proud of him. But look at me. Do you think I could help improve your lives? If so, vote for me and not for any other reason.

Only a secure person could have been capable of such a bold and fresh stroke. Only someone who honestly believes that she, her life and record could pass the most rigorous scrutiny would be as willing to refuse to avail of, if not squander, political capital. Only a Leni Robredo could do that.

There is no pretense, no hypocrisy about the lady. There was no dishonesty about her reluctance to run for vice president. She thought that she was unprepared for the position. And the children were not sold on the idea.

But she thought wrong. In fact, she is and has always been ready to assume greater responsibility than that of being mother to her children or that of being a member of Congress. Her life with Jesse has set her for bigger challenges.

Leni Robredo, economics (a quota course, if I may add) graduate of the University of the Philippines, lawyer and mother of three, who continues to take the bus to and from Naga. I omitted her being Jesse's widow. Like her, I believe that she can stand on her own merits.

*** Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama and his predecessor and archenemy Tommy Osmeña were supposed to be angry with each over the latter's attempts to pirate some of the mayor's leaders but I couldn't help but laugh at their verbal jabs.

You're so pathetic, Mike tells Tommy. Stop monkeying with my people.

So what's your problem, asks Tommy in reply. You monkeyed with mine while I was away. Sue me if you want.

If you have been looking forward to a sober and intelligent discussion of public issues during the campaign, perish the thought.