Roxas, Robredo met with protest in first sortie in MM

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The administration's presidential and vice presidential bets were met by protesters on Wednesday (February 17) when they went to the Bahay ng Alumni of the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City.

Liberal Party (LP) standard-bearer Manuel "Mar" Roxas II and Rep. Leni Robredo were there to discuss concerns affecting the poor with the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) — but protester cried foul over this, saying the candidates were guilty of electioneering by using a government agency to help their campaign.

Related: Roxas, Robredo hold series of rallies in Negros Occidental

The protesters also repeated complaints against the Aquino government's veto of the Social Security System (SSS) pension hike, the Mamasapano incident, pork barrel scam, and "criminal neglect" of Typhoon Yolanda survivors.

This developed as LP decided to make the rounds in the city which had the most number of voters in Metro Manila.

The strategy: to gather local leaders like barangay officials to act as their campaigners.

The "Ro-Ro" tandem met with barangay officials and multi-sectoral leaders to discuss the importance of continuing President Aquino's Daang Matuwid (Straight Path).

Roxas pitched the continuation of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and the expansion of Philhealth coverage, while Robredo spoke about in-city or on-site relocation for informal settlers.

Related: Roxas, Robredo campaign in Camarines Sur

Meanwhile, city mayor Herbert Bautista said winning wouldn't be a walk in the park for their candidates — but they're counting on local leaders to double their efforts to make the administration slate win straight votes.

This was the first time the Daang Matuwid Coalition campaigned in Metro Manila since the campaign period began last week.

CNN Philippines' Patricia de Leon contributed to this report.