VICE President Leni Robredo yesterday vowed to choose individuals who are not only experts in their fields but are also good managers, as Cabinet members, if she wins this year’s presidential race.
The opposition’s presidential aspirant said the country needs more competent Cabinet officials now more than ever in light of the raging COVID-19 pandemic which she said has exposed the effects of the neglect of the country’s healthcare system.
“No. 1, kailangan experts in their field. No. 2, kailangan respetado sila, respetado sila ng sektor na pamumunuan nila. No. 3, hindi lang mahusay sa kanilang field pero mahusay na managers (No. 1, they have to be experts in their field. No. 2, they have to be respected, respected in their respective fields. No. 3, they should not only be good in their field but should also be good managers), she said in an interview with ONE News.
Robredo said the pandemic has exposed the “systemic ills” in the healthcare system and the whole country is now suffering the effects of the many decades of neglect.
This is why, she said, choosing the right people for the job will be among her top priorities if she becomes president because working with esteemed heads of offices would spell the difference.
Robredo underscored the urgency of fully implementing the Universal Healthcare Law to ensure that every town, province and region has all the equipment and resources to respond to the pandemic so that those who fall ill will not have a hard time seeking medical attention.
“To me, the driving force in governance is always empowerment and inclusivity. So I should choose someone who also believes in that, who listens and gives voice to stakeholders because I think this is very important,” she said in Filipino.
The Vice President did not name possible contenders for Cabinet posts but said she has a deep bench of talents from various sectors that have been helping her from the start.
