Robredo not closing the door on running in 2022

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 2) — Vice President Leni Robredo is not closing the door on running in the 2022 elections.

"Ayoko nang magsalita ng tapos kasi kinain ko na 'yung sinabi ko...twice. Robredo told CNN Philippines' The Source in an exclusive interview that aired Friday.

[Translation: I don't want to get ahead of myself because I already ate my words twice.]

Robredo was thrust into politics after the unexpected death of her husband, former Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo, in a plane crash in 2012.

A human rights lawyer by training, she served as Camarines Sur representative in 2013 before being tapped by the Liberal Party to run as Vice President. She is now the party's chair.

"When I was being asked to run in 2013, sabi ko [I said] over my dead body, [but] I ran," she said.

And in 2016, Robredo hesitated to run as vice president.

"Pero again, pag tinapon sa'yo ng tadhana, parang nangyayari talaga eh," she said.

[Translation: When destiny throws something your way, it really happens.]

However, Robredo also clarified she has no intention of ousting President Rodrigo Duterte, whose policies she has been critical of.

Related: Robredo: I do not want to oust the President

She added she was only continuing her husband's work. Jesse Robredo, a former Naga City mayor, is known for his "tsinelas" (ordinary man's slippers) leadership for his programs on poverty alleviation.

"Parang 'yung asawa ko talaga was the one who was talagang suited for a life like this. E bigla siyang nawala [My husband was the one suited for a life like this. But he is suddenly gone]," said Robredo.

The vice president said it is important for her to continue her husband's legacy.

"Ang feeling ko lang [I feel], I am continuing what he was supposed to do. Not as a vice president but as a public servant," she said.

Watch the second part of The Source's interview with Robredo here.