Governor Daniel R. Fernando on Monday officially endorsed the presidential bid of Vice President Leni Robredo, saying he strongly believes that the lone female candidate for the top post is the most qualified.

“Kailangan po natin ng isang pangulo na simple at hindi kailanman aabusuhin ang kanyang posisyon para sa kanyang sariling interes. At ang lahat po ng ito ay na kay Pangalawang Pangulong Leni Robredo dahil sa huli, ‘the last man standing is a woman’ (We need a president who is simple and will never abuse the position for her own interest. And all of these qualities are in Vice President Leni Robredo because in the end, ‘the last man standing is a woman’),” Fernando said during a press briefing at the Giron Hall in the historic Barasoain Church in this city.

He said Robredo is the only candidate who has consistently stood for the marginalized and voiceless members of society.

He also said that even with a limited budget, the Office of the Vice President (OVP) through its “Angat Buhay” program, had collected PHP505.39 million worth of donations that benefited 2,388 communities and hospitals nationwide.

At the height of the prevailing coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic, Fernando said the OVP provided free shuttle service to front-liners and commuters and distributed testing kits, personal protective equipment, face masks, and food packs; and provided dormitories to front-liners and students.

In addition, he said it assisted a total of 341,779 families, 221,122 individuals, and 381 communities through their quick response in times of disaster.

“As Vice President, Robredo has proven that she can use power and authority for the common good, even with scarce government resources,” he said.

Fernando, who is seeking reelection under the National Unity Party, said he is endorsing Robredo not to get an edge in politics and not even for his own personal interest.

“Saksi ang aking kapwa lingkod bayan na kandidato ng National Unity Party, gayundin ang aking mga kababayan, ang aking taos-pusong suporta sa kandidatura ng ating kasalukuyang bise-presidente Leni Robredo ang siyang susunod na magiging presidente ng bansa. Let a woman lead, let Leni lead (My fellow public servants, who are candidates under the National Unity Party as well as my provincemates, are witnesses to my sincere support for the candidacy of our incumbent Vice President Leni Robredo who will be the next President of our country. Let a woman lead, let Leni lead),” he added.

Robredo said she was overwhelmed by the support of the Bulacan governor and his co-candidates in the National Unity Party.

She said Fernando’s decision to uphold his choice and principles is not easy.

Last March 5, an estimated crowd of 45,000 Bulakenyos showed their support for the Robredo-Pangilinan tandem during their Bulacan Grand Rally held at the grounds of the New Malolos City Hall here. (PNA)