MANILA, Philippines – Vice President Leni Robredo has confirmed that she will discuss the country’s drug war with officials of the United States (US) Embassy in the Philippines on Wednesday morning.
Leni Robredo said this on Tuesday afternoon after being asked whether she and the American authorities, like Ambassador Sung Kim, would be meeting.
“Meron na, actually bukas ng umaga ‘yong meeting (Yes, actually tomorrow morning),” she replied when pressed if there was a schedule already.
US assistance
According to Leni Robredo, she wants to know what kind of assistance US can extend to the local agencies fighting the war against illegal drugs, especially on the side of intelligence gathering.
Leni Robredo’s statements came after she said over the weekend that she saw no problem with the US extending a hand in the drug war. She also previously revealed that Kim offered to partner with the country in terms of intelligence gathering.
READ: Robredo open to US Embassy offer of assistance in PH drug war
She reiterated these statements, although she also clarified that she will also talk with other foreign agencies in looking to solve the drug menace plaguing the country.
Robredo was put on the spotlight after accepting President Rodrigo Duterte’s offer for her to co-chair the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD), with Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Director General Aaron Aquino.
This was despite the stern warning of her allies not to take on the job, because it might be a trap set for her to fail. However, she claimed that a primary consideration in taking the post was the chance to save innocent lives, especially as the over 5,500 drug suspects have already died in the drug war, according to government numbers.
READ: BREAKING: Duterte appoints Robredo co-chair of gov’t committee vs illegal drugs
READ: BREAKING: Robredo accepts drug czar post offer