Vice President-elect Leni Robredo. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / JILSON SECKLER TIU
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO—Provocative statements, irreverent remarks, cussing and wolf-whistling have become the media image of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte.
But Vice President-elect Leni Robredo said she has nothing to fear from the administration of Duterte.
“Wala, wala. Wala, wala. (Nothing, nothing, nothing, nothing.) I am not afraid of anything,” Robredo said here on Thursday when asked what she was afraid of under the Duterte administration.
She said, “If there was one lesson I learned from all the experiences I have gone through, [it was] kung ano ang nakalaan para sa iyo, iyun ang ibibigay (you will get what destiny set out for you).”
Duterte had been under fire from the media for his comments about murdered journalists.
Robredo declined to comment on Duterte’s remarks that were interpreted by media organizations as a justification for killing corrupt journalists.
“I don’t want him to misinterpret my reactions. I continue to extend my hand in friendship. That’s what the country needs so we can collaborate. Our differences in opinions won’t affect my offer of support to him,” Robredo said.
As of Thursday, she said, Duterte had not offered her any Cabinet post.
“He said nothing, but I was not aspiring for any post. I think he has made it clear naman that he does not intend to make any offer, which is just fine,” Robredo said.
“I am ready to face anything,” she said, before leaving a get-together organized by her supporters in Pampanga.
Leading the prayers that opened the program at the Laus Event Center here, Fr. Larry Sarmiento described Robredo as the “best gift God gave the Filipinos after the elections.”
“[Robredo] is the light on the road. Please help her to be strong…Inspire us as we continue our fight for justice and democracy. Keep her safe and her children,” Sarmiento said.