LITERARY CRITICISM

Submitted by: Dennis Kent M. Dacanay

Leni Robredo: A Modern Medea of Resilience

Leni Robredo, the 14th Vice President of the Philippines, is widely recognized for her
advocacy of transparency, social justice, and women's rights. Her political career,
though marked by significant challenges, has been defined by her resilience, calm
determination, and unwavering commitment to the underserved sectors of society.
A comparison between Robredo and Medea, the tragic heroine of Greek mythology,
may seem unconventional, but it offers an insightful way to explore the concept of
resilience in the face of adversity, particularly from a feminine perspective.

In Euripides' play, Medea is a woman who, after being betrayed by her husband
Jason, takes extreme measures to seek revenge. Her actions, including the murder
of her own children, are shocking and tragic, but they stem from deep emotional
pain and betrayal. Medea’s story is one of defiance, one where a woman pushed to
her limits breaks free from the constraints of her traditional role in society. Her
actions, though extreme, reflect an inner strength that arises from the injustices she
faces.
Medea’s resilience is evident in her refusal to accept her betrayal passively. Despite
being a foreign woman in Greek society, a mother, and a wife, she shows
extraordinary agency and courage in confronting those who have wronged her.
However, her resilience, rooted in anger and revenge, leads her to tragic
consequences. Medea’s strength, though undeniable, is ultimately destructive, and
her story serves as a dark reflection of what happens when resilience is fueled by
pain and betrayal.

In contrast to Medea’s tragic journey, Leni Robredo’s resilience is characterized by

empathy, pragmatism, and a profound commitment to the welfare of others.
Robredo, who rose from being a simple lawyer and widow to becoming the Vice
President of the Philippines, embodies a type of resilience that is deeply rooted in
feminine strength. Throughout her career, she has faced numerous challenges, from
the sudden death of her husband, Department of Interior and Local Government
Secretary Jesse Robredo, to the political and personal attacks during her time in
office. Despite these obstacles, Robredo has maintained her commitment to public
service with a calm yet resolute demeanor.

Unlike Medea, who channels her resilience into destructive actions, Robredo’s
approach to resilience is constructive and rooted in service. After the tragic plane
crash that claimed her husband’s life, Robredo did not retreat into bitterness.
Instead, she used her grief as a driving force to continue the work Jesse had started,
advocating for the marginalized and underprivileged sectors of society. Her
resilience is not about seeking revenge or personal gain but about building a better
society for others, particularly women, children, and the poor.

What sets Robredo apart from the archetype of Medea is the feminine approach to
resilience that she embodies. In a world where traditional forms of strength are
often equated with force and dominance, Robredo exemplifies a softer, yet no less
powerful, form of resilience. Her strength lies not in overpowering her opponents
but in her ability to connect with people, listen to their concerns, and collaborate for
the common good. As Vice President, she championed initiatives like Angat Buhay,
the largest volunteer-driven program in the country, which brought together people
from all walks of life to support marginalized communities.
This compassionate form of resilience, often associated with women, is rooted in
empathy, cooperation, and understanding. Robredo has faced significant political
challenges, including opposition from powerful forces within the government. Yet,
rather than engaging in divisive rhetoric or resorting to the tactics of anger and
vengeance, she has consistently demonstrated grace under pressure, choosing
collaboration over confrontation. Her resilience is not about fighting for personal
power but about fighting for the rights and dignity of others, especially those who
are voiceless or oppressed.

While Medea's resilience is born from a desire for revenge and justice in her own
terms, Robredo's resilience is grounded in determination and a deep sense of duty.
Both women share a willingness to challenge societal norms—Medea by rejecting
the traditional roles of wife and mother, and Robredo by breaking barriers in a
political landscape dominated by men. However, their motivations differ greatly.
Medea’s defiance is born from betrayal, while Robredo’s defiance comes from a
vision of progress and a refusal to accept the status quo of inequality.

In the case of Robredo, resilience does not lead to destruction or harm but to
empowerment and change. Robredo’s resilience is quiet but firm; it is the kind of
strength that builds and nurtures, rather than tears down. Her approach
demonstrates that resilience can be a powerful force for good, particularly when it is
grounded in values of service, justice, and compassion.

Leni Robredo’s story offers a modern and hopeful interpretation of resilience, one
that contrasts sharply with the tragic and destructive resilience seen in Medea’s
narrative. Robredo’s approach to overcoming adversity is grounded in empathy,
compassion, and a focus on creating lasting positive change for others. While
Medea's strength leads her down a dark and destructive path, Robredo shows that
resilience, when combined with integrity and a commitment to others, can lead to
transformation and progress.

Through Robredo’s example, we learn that feminine resilience is not about power or
revenge but about compassion, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to
the greater good. Her leadership style, rooted in feminine strength, challenges the
traditional notions of what it means to be resilient in a world that often undervalues
women’s contributions. Robredo's story is a testament to the power of resilience
when it is driven by love for others and a determination to make the world a better
place.