FILIPINO graduates of Australian universities and higher education institutions are supporting the candidacies of Vice President Leni Robredo and Senator Francis ‘Kiko’ Pangilinan.

The group of 260 graduates include more than 20 lawyers, a number of private and state university officials, scientists, professors, accountants, medical professionals, former military officers, engineers, researchers, and civil society leaders.

They signed a statement of support for Robredo and Pangilinan.

The alumni are from 34 Australian institutions including the Australian National University, Australian Defence College, Carnegie Mellon University, Charles Sturt University, Curtin University of Technology, Deakin University, Flinders University, Macquarie University, Monash University, Notre Dame University Australia, Queensland University of Technology, RMIT University, University of Adelaide, University of Canberra, University of New South Wales, University of Melbourne, University of Newcastle, University of Queensland, University of Sydney, and Victoria University.

The president of Ateneo de Cagayan, Fr. Mars Tan— a PhD graduate of Notre Dame Univesity Australia — and two University of the Philippines vice chancellors were among the signatories.

“Inspired by the lessons of leadership and management from our Australian education, we express support for leaders based on their solid principles and integrity reflected in their exemplary track records of public service; leaders who can bring about positive change for disenfranchised and vulnerable sectors,” the group said.

“We fully support VP Leni Robredo to be the next President and Sen. Kiko Pangilinan to be the next Vice President of the Republic of the Philippines. In their current positions as government-elected officials and even prior to these roles, they have demonstrated consistency in their people-oriented endeavors and actions that have helped to alleviate our country’s socio-economic problems,” the signed statement said.

The alumni described Robredo and Pangilinan as “two leaders that we can proudly introduce to the community of nations, who have a clear vision for the Philippines, and who can create an enabling environment that would inspire every Filipino to contribute to the realization of that vision.”

Former Philippine Air Force Wing Commander BGen Rodante Joya — a graduate of Australian Defence College — said Robredo and Pangilinan have the highest investor confidence to attract foreign investments.

“VP Leni and Sen Kiko have, by their records of service, manifested character and values of leadership that truly care for the country and people. No doubt they will put up a government for the masses, not for personal, family, party and cohorts’ interests,” Joya said.