When Vice President Leni Robredo is bashed online, she looks back to the pain brought by her husband's death, which nothing could ever top. That's what makes handling hate "sisiw" or easy.
The most recent criticism is over her statement that she works 18 hours a day, something that her supporters turned around into #AkoSiLenLen, a tribute to Filipinos who work long hours out of duty and lack of money.
"Ang dami ko na kasing kahirapan na pinagdaanan. So every time may panibagong hirap na pagdadaanan... Ang exercise ko, mas mahirap ba ito sa pagkamatay ni Jess? Parating ang sagot hindi, so parati kong sinasabi, 'yun nga nalampasan ko, so wala, sisiw na 'to," Robredo said in a vlog by chef Tatung Sarthou.
Her husband, the late interior secretary Jesse Robredo, died in a plane crash in 2012, leaving her to take care of their three daughters and thrusting her into politics, first as congresswoman, then as vice president.
"Ang palagi ko kasi mindset, lugi kayo kasi kayo 'yung nagagalit sa akin, hindi ko naman kayo pinapansin e 'di sino sa atin 'yung lugi? Kayo kasi kayo 'yung galit," she said.
EXPLAINERS ON LENI ROBREDO:
Extraordinary Housewife? The Understatement of Leni Robredo, Explained
Why Fiery Pink is Leni Robredo's New Campaign Color
Why Mimiyuuuh Welcomed VP Leni to Her Channel After Toni Interviewed BBM
When bashers involve her late husband and three daughters, Robredo said she gets triggered. "Pero kung ako lang, wala akong pakialam."
"Meron kasing mga tao na kahit ano namang gawin mo, galit sa iyo. So pabayaan mo na 'yun, 'wag mo na 'yun pag-aksayahan ng panahon."
For the only woman among the 10 presidential candidates for the May 9 elections, being a public servant is the best way to honor her husband, who was beloved as Naga mayor.
"'Pag bumababa on the ground, doon mo nararamdaman ang empathy at 'yung empathy talaga 'yung nagbibigay sa atin ng energy dahil nakita mo na ganito ang pangangailangan, hindi ka natatahimik hangga't hindi ka nakakatulong para ma-resolve ang pangangailangan."
Watch the vlog here:
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