Vice President Leni Robredo and President Rodrigo Duterte. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO / MARCELINO PASCUA
Aside from his expletive-laden remarks, President Rodrigo Duterte is also known for his penchant for jokes during speeches.
Speaking at the 121st founding anniversary of the Philippine Army in Taguig City, Duterte apologized for being late, saying he had a 13-hour meeting with the National Security Council Executive Committee that started about 2 p.m on Monday.
But before reading his prepared speech, Duterte joked that Vice President Ma. Leonor “Leni” Robredo was one of their topics.
Robredo was also onstage to attend the event. He was seated beside Duterte.
“Hindi ako nagbabasa ng speech kaya lang I am very sorry I was late because we ended the Cabinet meeting at 3 o’clock in the morning. We started at 2 in the afternoon. Natapos ho kami ma’am ng three, ang pinag-usapan namin ikaw,” he said, referring to Robredo.
Duterte’s remarks elicited laughter from the crowd, including Robredo.
Robredo earlier said he has gotten used to the jokes of Duterte.
READ: Robredo on flirtatious Duterte: I’m used to being his ‘pulutan’
The Philippine Army anniversary was among the rare events where Duterte and Robredo shared the stage after their relationship got strained since Robredo quit her Cabinet post in December 2016.
The country’s two highest leaders were also together during the graduation of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Alab Tala” Class of 2018 in Baguio City on Sunday. /cbb
READ: Duterte, Robredo together again at PMA rites