Religious leaders pray over VP Leni for successful presidential run

With songs, poems, and prayers, religious leaders led by Most Reverend Roberto Gaa, Bishop of the Diocese of Novaliches, and Most Reverend Antonio Tobias, Bishop Emeritus of Novaliches, blessed Vice President Leni Robredo and her running mate, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, for a successful presidential and vice-presidential bid in the May 9 elections.

The event called “Conversation and Prayer for VP Leni” was held on Tuesday, March 1, at the Cathedral-Shrine and Parish of the Good Shepherd in Quezon City, and was attended by lay volunteers from different cities of Metro Manila who have been campaigning for Robredo. The Diocese of Novaliches is made up of 73 parishes.

The congregation welcomed Robredo with a rendition of “Impossible Dream,” and, as Bishop Gaa led the praying over her, they sang “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”

Rev. Msgr. Jesus Romulo “Romy” Rañada, priest director of the Novaliches Diocese Commission on Formation, read the poem “Bakit si VP Leni.”

In her message, Robredo asked her supporters to help her and Pangilinan campaign for an honest government. She said the slogan “Gobyernong Tapat, Angat Buhay Lahat" is the “overarching theme” of their campaign because this is exactly what the country is fighting for now: an honest government that will give Filipinos a better life.

"Sisiguraduhin natin na 'yung pamahalaan natin matapat, mahusay, matino, malinis dahil ito lang talaga ‘yung paraan na maasikaso 'yung pinaka-nasa laylayan," Robredo said.

Robredo also urged them to help her fight disinformation and fake news disseminated in social media in an organized way.

"Pagtulungan na lang po natin na mabuksan 'yung kanilang mga mata to describe kung ano 'yung totoo, alin 'yung kasinungalingan,” Robredo said, referring to those who believe in fake news. “And I think, 'yung mga kapareho natin are in the best position to do that kasi 'yung respeto sa inyo, mataas.”

In a fact-check done by fact-checking initiative Tsek.ph earlier this year, it was found that Robredo is the biggest victim of disinformation and negative messaging on social media.

The presidential aspirant also thanked all the members of the religious and lay communities who cheered and showed their support for the Leni-Kiko tandem and the members of their senatorial ticket.

"[S]a amin po ni Senator Kiko, the entire slate, we are very privileged that we are fighting this fight alongside all of you,” she said. [End]