Duterte knows what it takes to be president, Palace tells Robredo

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte, having experienced being the chief executive, would certainly know that Vice President Leni Robredo does not have what it takes to lead the country, Malacañang said Wednesday.

While he agrees that it is for the people to decide, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said Duterte is part of these voters who will elect the country’s next president.

“Tama po yan. ‘Yan ay desisyon ng taumbayan pero kabahagi po ng taumbayan ay ang Presidente, na siya’y boboto rin,” Roque said in an interview over state-run People’s Television Network.

(That’s right. That is a decision to be made by the people, and among them is the President who would also cast his vote.)

“At dahil siya’y naging presidente, alam niya yung mga kakayahan na kinakailangan para maging isang Presidente at ang kanyang naging assessment na sumatutal, hindi po angkop na maging presidente ang ating bise presidente,” he added.

(And since he has become a president, he knows the abilities needed to become one. His assessment is that overall, our vice president is not fit to become president.)

Duterte last February 15 lashed at Robredo on national television after the latter likened to “extortion” the President’s demand for the United States “to pay” to keep the Visiting Forces Agreement with the Philippines.

He said that Robredo should “study more” if by any “unfortunate chance” she becomes the Philippines’ next president.

On Thursday, however, Robredo laughed off the President’s tirade, saying that it is not for Duterte to decide if she’s fit to become president.

EDV