LAOAG CITY, Philippines — Vice presidential aspirant Leni Robredo was greeted by an almost empty Laoag International airport during her visit here, Friday morning.
Unlike other national candidates who visited the province since the start of the campaign period, Robredo was welcomed by more or less 20 people, mostly Liberal Party provincial officials led by chairman Fernando Cabrales and airport employees.
Ilocos Norte is a known bailiwick of Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. who is also running for vice president.
“I got nothing to lose coming here. Even if this is a ‘Marcos Country,’ I think I owe everyone a chance to know me,” Robredo said.
She said she expected that Ilocanos are more sympathetic with Marcos.
“I am very realistic with my expectations. As long as I present myself, it’s up for the voters to decide (who they will be voting for),” Robredo said.
She admitted though that the “Solid-North” is something to be worried about.
“Since time in memorial, the North (Regions 1, 2 and CAR) has always been solid,” she said.
Robredro however believes that voters now, specially the young ones, are open to new alternative candidates like her.
“I have so much faith in the Filipino electorate already,” Robredo said.
After her arrival at the airport, Robredo went to the Laoag Carmelite Monastery where she was prayed over by nuns.
She also had private breakfast with Ilocos Norte first District Rep. Rodolfo Fariñas before proceeding to the Northwestern University for a forum with students.
During the forum, Robredo clarified her stand on martial law and the Marcos family.
“I think it’s not right to call me anti-Marcos. I am just proud that I’m the only candidate who stood against martial law,” she said.
Robredo also said that she has nothing personal against the Marcoses.
“I just think it’s time for us to move on. But we cannot move on if past mistakes are unsettled,” she said.
Robredo said if Marcos will not say sorry for the crimes committed during martial law, at least he should recognize that some mistakes happened during those days.
source from: http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/03/18/1564256/no-warm-welcome-leni-marcos-country