MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Leni Robredo on Wednesday said that she cannot control other people’s views such as President Rodrigo Duterte’s soft stance on China and most recently his decision to allow the country to fish in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Robredo said she intends to focus on things that she can do like criticizing the administration’s supposedly wrong policies.
“Iyong sa akin kasi aasikasuhin ko na lang kung ano iyong puwede kong gawin. Hindi ko kayang kontrolin iyong gagawin ng ibang tao (I will just try to do the things that I can. I cannot control other people),” she said in an ambush interview in Naga City.
“Kung may pagsalungat ako sa mga polisiya, ipapahayag ko iyong aking pagsalungat. Kung may puna ako, ipapahayag ko iyong puna (I will oppose polices and I will express my views),” she added.
The Vice President recently backed an investigation of the Recto Bank incident where 22 fishermen were left at sea after a Chinese rammed the local fishing boat Gem-Ver 1 last June 9.
Robredo also called on the government to pursue cases against those responsible for the collision, which happened within the EEZ in the West Philippine Sea.
READ: Robredo backs probe into sinking of PH fishing boat
READ: VP wants PH trial for Chinese crew in sea collision
Duterte’s pronouncements differ largely from Robredo’s opinion. In a previous speech, Duterte said that what happened at Recto Bank was just a “little maritime accident.” He later said China can continue fishing in the disputed region because the Philippines is “friends” with the Asian superpower.
READ: Duterte breaks silence on sinking of PH boat: ‘It’s a little maritime accident’
READ: Duterte to ‘Recto Bank 22’: ‘I’m sorry, but that’s how it is’
READ: Out of friendship, PH will ‘tolerate’ China to fish in country’s EEZ – Palace
Still, the Vice President said she tries to avoid criticizing actions that may not be for the greater good.
“Iyong pag-criticize ng kung ano-ano, iniiwasan ko iyon dahil tingin ko, hindi siya beneficial sa lahat. Basta sa akin, kapag tingin ko may maling ginagawa, sasabihin ko (I avoid criticism because I think they are not beneficial for everybody. But I will express my views if I see something amiss),” she noted.
Robredo was recently in the spotlight after Foreign Affairs Teodoro Locsin Jr. called her “boba” or stupid for questioning the plan to revoke diplomatic passports issued to former top diplomats and ambassadors.
Locsin has apologized shortly after. Robredo said she does not want to dwell on the issue as there are more things to focus on, such as the fate of the 22 fishermen. (Editor: Eden Estopace)
READ: Locsin calls Robredo ‘boba’ and asks someone to ‘give her a brain’
READ: Robredo: Fate of 22 fishermen more important than criticisms, Locsin’s tirades