Philippine Vice President Leni Robredo has announced that she will run for president in the 2022 elections .
Robredo, who made the announcement on Thursday, vowed to end the system of politics under the administration of incumbent Rodrigo Duterte.
Robredo, a vocal critic of Duterte’s controversial anti-drug campaign and policies that have curbed civil rights, ended months of speculation as she urged Filipinos to stand with her as she leads the opposition in the May 2022 elections.
“My resolve is unwavering. We need to free ourselves from our current situation,’’ she said amid cheers and applause from supporters.
“I will fight. We will fight. I am offering myself as a candidate for president in the 2022 elections.’
The 56-year-old mother of three girls said she was aware that the challenge ahead was daunting, but vowed to put all her strength and energy into the fight.
“We will return to the hands of the average Filipino the ability to bring about change,’’ she said.
Robredo was trailing behind in the sixth spot among 12 possible presidential contenders in a nationwide survey conducted earlier in the month by Pulse Asia Research Inc.
Duterte’s daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, topped the survey.
Though she registered for re-election as mayor at the weekend in an indication that she will not run, she still has time to change her mind.
Next in the poll came former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong’’ Marcos Jr, who lost to Robredo in the vice presidential race in 2016.
Boxing icon, Manny Pacquiao and ex-police chief Panfilo Lacson were among the other top contenders that had filed their certificates of candidacy.
Manila Mayor Francisco Domagoso, an actor popularly known by his screen name Isko Moreno – has also registered to run.
