VP Robredo hails AFP’s independence, pandemic response

Vice President Leni Robredo with AFP chief Lieutenant General Andres Centino. (Imge from Facebook / OVP)

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Leni Robredo on Sunday said that she is appreciative of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), noting that the agency may not be perfect but its independence as an institution is maintained.

During the BISErbisyong LENI program on DZXL, Robredo said that she discussed national concerns with top officials during her courtesy visit to the AFP headquarters.

“Confidential ‘yung information kaya hindi natin masisiwalat pero mahalaga kasing alam natin. Mahalaga na alam natin kung nasaan na tayo as far as many things are concerned,” she said.

(The information is confidential.  But, it is important to know where we are as far as many things are concerned.)

“Pero ako lang, very appreciative kasi ako sa AFP. Kasi kahit hindi siya perpekto, until now talaga name-maintain niya naman ‘yung kanyang independence as an institution. Hindi hinahayaan na maging instrumento siya,” Robredo added.

(I’m very appreciative of the AFP. While it is not perfect, until now, it maintains its independence as an institution.)

Vice President Leni Robredo  (OVP)

Key partner in pandemic response

She shared that amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Office of the Vice President was able to distribute personal protective equipment (PPE) sets and other medical supplies across the country with the assistance of the AFP.

The military likewise helped in installing temporary shelters in hospitals.

“Pero sa atin, lagi tayo nagpapasalamat sa AFP kasi alam mo, during the pandemic, grabe ‘yung partnership namin with them. Marami tayong napapadala na mga PPE sets all over the Philippines saka mga medical supplies, largely dahil sa tulong nila,” Robredo recalled.

(We are always thankful that amid the pandemic, our partnership with the AFP is very strong. We were able to distribute many PPE sets and medical supplies all over the Philippines largely with their help.)

Robredo also said that she conducts regular security and defense briefings with the AFP.

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