Robredo “surprised,” “glad” over Duterte’s support for her COVID-19 relief efforts

April 5, 2020

Vice President Leni Robredo on Sunday said she was "surprised" but at the same time "glad" that President Rodrigo Duterte defended the relief efforts that her office has been undertaking amid the coronavirus disease crisis.

This was after former Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission Commissioner called the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to investigate Robredo for “competing” with the government in soliciting from the private sector for relief drive to assist the people affected by COVID-19.

In defending Robredo, Duterte fired Luna from the PACC.

“I was surprised, in the sense that for a very long time, we did not hear the President defending us. But now that he defended us, we are glad. I was glad because I think that is needed this time. What we need this time (of crisis) is to help each other,” Robredo said in a television interview.

Robredo also hailed Duterte for firing Luna, saying it was a “good move”.

“I think it was a good move. We welcome it because this time is very extraordinary- we should not tolerate any individual or public official who sow division within the government,” she said.

The Vice President said her office is just collaborating with the private sector to assist the government and not competing with it.

However, Robredo said it was also “untimely” for Duterte to lashed out at human rights lawyer Chel Diokno, who is her ally.

“I think it’s untimely. I think it’s unappropriate this time to argue with each other because the message is we should set aside political (views and) help each other… If there is a misunderstanding, let’s forget it for now,” she said.

In his televised message on Friday night when he fired Luna, the President also slammed Diokno after the latter expressed his readiness to be the lawyer of those who would be arrested for conducting protest action against government's alleged failure to assist the people amid the COVID-19 crisis.

Robredo also said the NBI investigation against Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto was “unacceptable”.

She noted that Duterte, in his previous public messages prior to the declaration of the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon, including Metro Manila, has tapped the local government units in helping their constituents.

The NBI has been investigating Sotto for alleged violation of the newly-passed Republic Act No. 11469 or the "Bayanihan Heal As One Act" after initially allowing tricycles to operate in the city despite the implementation of the lockdown. But Sotto later followed the national government's order to stop the operation of the tricycles even prior to the passage of RA 11469.

The Office of the Vice President already raised P46,222,324.10 from its fundraising program to help health workers in providing them personal protective equipment (PPEs).

The OVP is also providing free shuttle, food, and lodging for the health workers. Ella Dionisio/DMS