Malacañang is giving Vice President Leni Robredo the benefit of the doubt when she said she was not supporting any call for President Duterte to step down.
Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo made the statement after Robredo said that she has received reports of a protest today, ahead of the 34th anniversary of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution on Feb. 25.
In an interview with Malacañang reporters, Panelo said Robredo might be telling the truth.
“Baka nagsasabi siya ng totoo. Let’s give her the benefit of the doubt,” he said Friday.
Panelo then wished protesters “good luck” since their efforts to remove the President from office will not bear fruit.
“Talagang ‘yang mga panawagan na ‘yan wala ‘yan, it’s a pipe dream, it’s wishful thinking. It will never see the light of day.
SKIPPING EDSA RITES
Meanwhile, Panelo said Duterte may skip this year’s celebration of the anniversary of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution on Feb. 25.
“Nasa bahay lang,” Panelo said when asked if the President has any plan for Tuesday.
“Wala akong narinig na aattend siya unless na merong schedule,” he added.
According to Panelo, Feb. 25, like any day, is just an ordinary day for the President.
‘Si Presidente naman, eh every day is a working day. Wala namang… kahit na rest day nagta-trabaho eh,” he said.
In case Duterte decides to skip the celebration on Tuesday, this would be the fourth straight year that the President will be snubbing the People Power anniversary rites. (Argyll Cyrus B. Geducos)