Manila, Philippines – President Duterte is hopeful that Vice President Leni Robredo would not interfere with his affairs just as he does not meddle in hers.
The President made the remarks in denying any involvement in the reported attempt to impeach Robredo for alleged betrayal of public trust.
“Hindi ako nakikialam sa buhay niya ma’am. Sana huwag niyang pakialamanan ‘yung akin. Basta sa trabaho, okay lang,” Duterte said in a press conference yesterday before leaving for his visits to Myanmar and Thailand this week.
The impeachment threat against Robredo was earlier raised by House Speaker Pantaleon D. Alvarez after she sent a video to the United Nations criticizing the government’s anti-drug efforts.
Alvarez earlier suspected that Robredo was associated with the impeachment complaint filed by Magdalo party-list Rep. Gary Alejano against Duterte.
The President insisted that he was not involved in the impeachment try against Robredo, saying he is already “beyond politics.”
“I never did anything and I will not do anything about it,” Duterte said.
“I never lifted a finger against anybody. Tapos na ako dyan. I am beyond politics. I do not want to tinker with it. I just want to focus on my job as a, which you have given me,” he added.
On whether he believes Robredo was behind the impeachment case against him, the President said: “I will not be surprised if she is there or I will not also be, I will not speculate if she is not there.”
Duterte admitted that Robredo has refused to believe his word that he was not involved in the so-called “Naga Leaks.”
“Akala kasi niya ako yung sa Naga Leaks. Ayaw niya maniwala, eh di huwag. Basta kayo naniniwala,” Duterte said.
He was referring to the online article that supposedly contained damning information against Robredo and her family.
Duterte said he is ready to resign if anybody could prove that he contacted any senator or government official to conspire against the Vice President.
“I always do it with honor. Kapag sinabi ko wala, wala talaga yan,” he said in denying any hand in efforts to undermine the Vice President. “At kapag sinabi ko gawin ko ‘yan, umatras ka na kasi gagawin ko talaga,” he added. (Genalyn D. Kabiling)
