‘Duterte focused on governance, not politics’
President Duterte remains focused on governance and is not in any way keen on and involved in silencing Vice President Leni Robredo and other critics, Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella stressed Monday.
Abella said the President recognizes the role of Robredo to fiscalize the administration and welcomes a “healthy opposition” under the country’s vibrant democracy.
“On the question whether the Palace is involved in anti-Robredo efforts, the President and the members of his Cabinet have more pressing matters to attend to than engage in politicking,” Abella said.
"Nobody is attempting to silence the Vice President to voice her opinion on issues close to her heart,” he added.
Abella recognized that Robredo, as the highest elected official from the Liberal Party, has a duty “to fiscalize the administration in power.”
“A healthy opposition plays an important role for the Philippines to be a vibrant bastion of democracy,” he added.
Robredo earlier shrugged off the so-called “Naga Leaks,” an anonymous blog discrediting her and her family.
The Vice President, however, vowed to continue to voice her stand on national issues even if it would contradict the Duterte government.
“No matter what is done, it will not silence us. On our part, we are ready, we are not hiding anything. We did not sin against the country,” she said.