Manila, Philippines – President Duterte on Saturday reiterated that he believes that Vice President Leni Robredo has nothing to do with the destabilization plot against him.
Duterte confirmed a report that he has invited Robredo and her children over for dinner. Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella also confirmed this in a text message but failed to give further comments as they are “not privy to details.”
According to Duterte, these all happened during a short breach of protocol when he asked Robredo to sit beside him during the graduation ceremony at the Philippine National Police Academy last Friday.
The President said they were able to briefly discuss the destabilization moves that Duterte’s allies claim were being plotted by the Liberal Party.
They were also able to tackle the impeachment complaints lodged against them.
Duterte said he explained to Robredo that he had nothing to do with the bid of his allies, particularly House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, to impeach her for her video message to the United Nations Committee on Narcotics Drugs where she criticized the administration’s war against illegal drugs.
“She mentioned about the, sabi niya, ‘wala ako diyan, ha,” he recalled. “Sabi ko, “I believe you” and sabi ko, “Leni, left and right kasi ang intriga but ako hindi kasali diyan sa impeachment,” he added.
Since he returned from his official visit to Myanmar and Thailand last Friday, Duterte has urged and discouraged his allies, supporters, and critics to stop trying to impeach him and Robredo.
Despite saying that Robredo is “in a hurry to become President,” Duterte said people should not mess with the government framework and should not get into a habit of ousting public officials.
He urged the people to respect the “sacred” vote of the people, forget politics, and just let the elected public officials do their work. (Argyll Cyrus B. Geducos)
