Cristina Joy M. Lopez Ms.

Gina
Luna
GED0102 – SEC 33 FA 2 FINALS

On the next decade or perhaps the next election, on what conditions will a woman be able
to lead the country? Will the next president be a woman? Looking back on the last 2022
Philippine elections, there were 2 main candidates that the people focused on. One is Bongbong
Marcos, while the other is the previous Vice President Leni Robredo. Both candidates took the
hearts of the Filipino people. In most rallies, you can see Robredo outshining Marcos while on
social media platforms, Marcos outshines Robredo. Though by the end of elections, Marcos won
but Robredo remained unbothered. With or without power, Robredo is meant to serve the people.
Her platform has been turned into the “ANGAT BUHAY FOUNDATION” and is now operating
and providing service for those in need.
Actually, Leni Robredo embodies the ideal of a trustworthy female politician who can
successfully combat corruption. Her entry into politics and her decision to join the Liberal Party,
which the public perceives as a conventional political party whether they like it or not, were
historical accidents. She was forced into politics by the unexpected loss of her husband, Jesse.
Even when the Liberal Party was in power, she wasn't a core member of it. She is now an
independent candidate for president.

Leni worked with nongovernmental organizations on development projects before she

was elected to the legislature. She became a lawyer and joined the Public Attorney's Office,
where she helped the underprivileged with legal matters. Later, she joined SALIGAN, a
nongovernmental organization that offers free legal assistance to underserved groups, an
alternative law group. Then, she participated in local civic affairs by promoting women's
empowerment.

The resume of Leni speaks for itself. There is no sign of corruption. Her Office of the
Vice President has received the top ranking from the Commission on Audit for three years in a
row, an "unqualified opinion" (2018, 2019, and 2020). So, there you have it: A woman is
probably more qualified than a male to be president. And that according to Robredo “the last
man standing is a woman.”
 So maybe on the next decade or next presidential elections, there is a high chance for the
next President to be a woman. If and only if the Filipino people are willing to open their minds
that being a woman does not mean that you are weak. And that not because you are a woman,
you are not fit to lead because Robredo herself proved that type of mindset wrong.