First meeting with Duterte ‘cordial,’ says Robredo
It was a “cordial” first-time meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte, said Vice President Ma. Leonor “Leni” Robredo on Friday.
The two highest elected leaders met for the first time after the May 9 elections in the change-of-command ceremony held in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
“The Vice President Leni Robredo, this is my first time to meet you personally. I would have preferred to be seated beside you but nandiyan si Defense (Secretary Delfin Lorenzana is there) eh,” Duterte said in jest during his speech.
READ: Duterte, Robredo finally meet in Camp Aguinaldo
After the program, the two exchanged pleasantries and the President apparently tried to offer his coconut juice in a tetra pack. When he noticed that the media were taking photos of them, Duterte asked Robredo to pose for the cameras.
Article continues after this advertisement“Nagpaalam ako sa kanya kung pwede akong magpa-set ng schedule or a courtesy visit, so pagbalik ko siguro sa office, aasikasuhin kami makapag-set kami ng meeting (I asked his permission if I could set a schedule or courtesy visit, so when I come back to the office, we would set a meeting),” she told reporters after the event.
Article continues after this advertisement“He said I could come anytime,” the Vice President said.
READ: Robredo sets appointment with Duterte; President says yes
The two held separate inagurations on Thursday, a first in Philippine history.
Duterte, who earlier decided to hold his inauguration in a simple ceremony in Malacañang instead of Quirino Grandstand, wanted a separate oath-taking from Robredo to give her a chance to invite more guests.
The President earlier said he would not give a Cabinet position to Robredo because of his friendship with defeated vice presidential candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. RAM/rga
