Catriona Gray picks Leni-Kiko tandem

MANILA, Philippines — Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray on Monday endorsed Vice President Leni Robredo for president and Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan for vice president in the coming May 9 elections.

The beauty queen-singer announced this through a YouTube video titled Pinuno: Para sa Bayan.

“A long-serving public servant, effective legislator authoring 79 laws, and active advocate for the agricultural sector, education, and national welfare, my vote for vice president is Kiko Pangilinan,” Gray said in the video.

“And my choice for president is Leni Robredo. She’s the only candidate with experience in all three branches of our government, judiciary as a volunteer lawyer, legislative as a congresswoman, and executive as a vice president,” she added.

She also said that among the presidential candidates, Robredo is the “only one who gives me hope for change for the future that I wish to see for my country.”

Gray said she based her choice on five qualities – how qualified they are, history, service, platform, and values – adding that she didn’t want to share who she wanted to vote for without the effort of explaining or educating her audience.

“But it’s my hope that by sharing who I’m voting for after doing my own research, and looking at those five qualities that whether you agree or disagree with my stance, it will serve as an invitation to learn more for yourselves and hopefully, to further develop any stance that you may already have,” Gray said.

The beauty queen also highlighted the pandemic as a “huge indicator of the capabilities of those in leadership.”

“And I believe that one of the most competent responses during the global pandemic was that under the stewardship of her Office of the Vice President – which has actually reflected the highest audit rating from the COA, three consecutive years in a row,” she pointed out in her video that lasted for more than 14 minutes.

“So there’s transparency there and I really appreciate that,” she added.

She also said that she personally aligned with what Robredo stood for in education, poverty reduction, and women empowerment, which she lauded for being actual existing programs like the “Angat Buhay” program “which has been extending assistance to over 600,000 marginalized Filipino families for 6 years and counting.”

“I appreciate how respectful she is to others, and how she’s willing to listen. And above all else, of all the candidates she’s the only one who gives me hope for change for the future that I wish to see for my country. That’s where I stand,” she said.

Gray, however, clarified that she respects differing views and opinions, believing that “no matter who your vote stands with, each and every one of us want the same thing: a better future, cleaner government, equal opportunities and security of life for all.”

“It’s merely my hope that you take the time to research and make an informed decision. The power lies with you. See you on May 9th Pilipinas,” she said.

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