VP Leni says empathy to those at the “laylayan” important quality in a leader

Vice President Leni Robredo said she believed that a leader who knows the situation of the most marginalized members of her constituents would be better equipped to address their concerns.

The presidential aspirant said this during her visit with Leni-Kiko volunteers of Batangas’ 6th District at the CM Recto Events Center in Lipa, Batangas on Thursday, February 10.

Robredo told the audience that she has witnessed first-hand the situation of the people who were, in one way or another, at the “laylayan” or the fringes of society.

“Bakit mahalaga na lider mismo nakikiisa sa inyo? Dahil doon niya lang mararamdaman kung ano ang nararamdaman ninyo. ‘Yung pangangailangan niyo na nalaman ng lider dahil nagbasa siya ng report, report lang ‘yun eh. Hindi niya ramdam kung ano ‘yung urgency noon,” she said.

She used the plight of the transport sector, specifically those of jeepney drivers who were being urged to modernize their vehicles, as an example.

“Siguro, kung papel lang 'yung babasahin namin, sasabihin namin, ay maganda 'yung modernization kasi magiging efficient. Pero pag hindi natin pinakinggan 'yung kwento sa likod ng bawat mukha, ang wala sa atin 'yung empathy,” she said.

Robredo further said that this empathy was crucial to identifying public servants who were sincere in their desire to serve the Filipino people.

“Kaya pag sinabi sa atin ng kandidato, “Mahal ko 'yung mahihirap,” ano ang dapat nating gawin? Tingnan natin, papaano niya pinakita 'yung pagmamahal. Bumababa ba siya kahit walang eleksyon? Nag-aaksaya ba siya ng oras para kumustuhin man lang kayo kahit hindi pa siya kandidato? 'Yun 'yung mga tanong na dapat tinatanong natin, kasi pag hindi natin 'yun tinanong, nadala lang tayo sa mga matatamis na salita,” she said.

Robredo then went to meet and greet the employees of the Lipa City Hall, where she was received by Mayor Eric B. Africa and other city officials. [End]