Outgoing Vice President Leni Robredo said Sunday she was looking forward to a "more private life" after her term ends on June 30, baring her decision to return to her previous work of lawyering for the masses while she transforms flagship program "Angat Buhay" into one of the country's largest NGOs.
Describing it as the life she has always been used to, Robredo said not much would change for her once she steps down from the vice presidency as her advocacy work would continue.
"Nine years lang naman ako nagserve ng gobyerno pero all the years na wala ako sa gobyerno, talagang nasa pag-aabogado naman ako tsaka nasa advocacy. Ganon pa din yung gagawin ko," Robredo told radio journalist Ely Saludar in her radio show on DZXL, announcing her return to alternative law group SALIGAN in a part-time capacity.
"Sa trabaho, Ka Ely, ganoon pa rin siguro ako kabusy pero siyempre hindi na ganon kadami ang kasama ko kasi mas konti na 'yung staff ngayon. Ako mismo makakabalik na ako sa pag-drive sa sarili ko. Actually nilu-look forward ko naman 'yung mas private na buhay kasi 'yun naman 'yung mas sanay ako," she added.
Days after losing the elections, Robredo had consoled distraught supporters by announcing she would launch Angat Buhay as an NGO on July 1, giving them an opportunity to continue the spirit of volunteerism that has defined her campaign.
MORE ON THIS: What is Angat Buhay That Robredo Plans to Transform Into an NGO?
As vice president who spent most of her term without a Cabinet position, Robredo is lauded for redefining her constitutional role as "spare tire" to President Rodrigo Duterte, having transformed her office as a vehicle for typhoon relief and COVID response.
Looking back at the past six years, Robredo said she would miss her staff, many of whom would be parting ways with her.
"Mamimiss ko yung mga kasama ko sa OVP (Office of the Vice President) kasi talagang naachieve namin 'yung napakaraming bagay dahil sa kanila. Ang iba sa kanila, konti sa kanila, sasama pa din sa atin sa Angat Buhay. Ang iba volunteer pa din sa Angat Buhay pero syempre may kanya-kanya 'yung pupuntahan na," she said.
"Ngayon talaga sa office medyo nagsesenti na 'yung iba kasi imagine magkakasama kami in the last six years. At yung pinagsamahan namin hindi basta-basta kasi sa hirap at ginhawa talaga 'yun napakaraming pagsubok na dumaan sa amin in the last six years," she added.
ALSO READ:
Leni Robredo to Speak Before Ateneo's Graduating Class of 2022
'Energized' Leni Robredo Shares Aspirations for Philippines from New York
Reportr is now on Quento. Download the app or visit the Quento website for more articles and videos from Reportr and your favorite websites.
