A former poll body official called on politicians who recently had their photos taken with former vice president Leni Robredo to donate as her hometown was battered by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (International name: Trami).
Former Comelec commissioner Rowena Guanzon on Thursday, October 24, posted a picture of a waist-high flooded street with the caption:
“To all politicians who visited Leni in Naga for photo ops [opportunities], mag-donate na kayo! Ang kakapal [niyo] #bardagulan.”
In 2022, she embraced the “Queen of Bardagulan” tag that online users have given her because of her posts that appear to “shade” people.
To all politicians who visited Leni in Naga for photo ops, mag donate na kayo ! Ang kakapal nyo #bardagulan pic.twitter.com/y1hIq4XYUg
— Rowena Guanzon (@rowena_guanzon) October 24, 2024
Her post has earned 3,200 likes, 567 reposts, and 29 comments so far, with some Filipinos agreeing with her sentiment.
“Well said, Mama Bing… puro trapo,” an online user commented.
“Printing pa po ng name and photos nila para sa mga relief bags,” another user commented.
Various visits to Robredo started when her successor, Vice President Sara Duterte, dropped by the former’s house last September during a religious festival.
Other politicians followed suit, namely former interior secretary Benhur Abalos, Sen. Bong Revilla, Rep. Erwin Tulfo (ACT-CIS party-list), Senate President Chiz Escudero, former senator Tito Sotto, Sen. Lito Lapid, and Rep. Camille Villar (Las Piñas Lone District).
While the visits were non-political, they drew attention due to their timing, with the 2025 midterm elections approaching.
“She is still a political juggernaut. Foolish of some who underestimate her,” an online user wrote before.
Aika, Robredo’s eldest, had acknowledged the comment.
“Quiet strength is often underrated and undervalued (and therefore, underestimated) hehe,” she responded.
ALSO READ: Aika Robredo comments on politicians’ recent visits to her mother, Leni
Most of those who had pictures with Robredo before were on a different political spectrum. Others were seeking posts in the upcoming polls like Abalos, Sotto, Lapid, Revilla and Villar.
On Wednesday, October 23, Revilla posted a picture of him with relief goods and said it was for Bicolanos affected by “Kristine.”
‘Kristine’ over Bicol Region
Meanwhile, the Angat Buhay NGO chairperson previously appealed for rescue boats to be lent to Naga City, her hometown, and the Bicol Region to aid communities trapped and in need of essential provisions.
Her organization recently launched a donation drive for those affected by the severe tropical storm.
RELATED: Angat Buhay NGO launches donation drive for Naga City, Bicol areas affected by ‘Kristine’ | Pop culture-oriented page praised for donating to Bicolanos affected by ‘Kristine’
A social media page known for posting memes and other pop culture-related content also donated P50,000 of its earnings to the NGO to help in its relief efforts for Bicolanos.
The organization also lauded several donors, partners and volunteers who helped with its relief operations, including Coca-Cola Beverages, Grab Philippines, Jollibee Foods Corporation, and Unilab Foundation.
Severe Tropical Storm Kristine has since ravaged the Bicol Region and other parts of Luzon as it crossed the country toward the West Philippine Sea.
The tropical cyclone has left at least 26 people dead and displaced more than 150,000 individuals.
RELATED: ‘Kristine’ wreaks havoc in the Philippines, at least 26 dead
Torrential rains brought by “Kristine” have turned Bicol Region’s streets into rivers and engulfed multiple houses and establishments, causing what is said to be the worst flooding in the region’s history in over five decades.
The tropical cyclone is forecast to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by the afternoon of Friday, October 25.
