Robredo: Dealing with fake news, public criticism a test of character

NAGA CITY — Vice President Leni Robredo said Sunday that dealing with fake allegations against her and other public criticisms is a test of character.

“My belief before was if it is negative, we should not dignify it,” Robredo said.

The vice president said she knows now that she’s wrong in not responding to fake stories published online or anywhere about her and that she should have responded to these issues immediately.

“In national [politics] it is different since people do not know you. If somebody creates lies about you, those people who do not know who you really believe them,” she said.

She recalled the time when her late husband, Jesse, was also a victim of fake news. However, Nagueños did not believe the stories “because they know him up close.”

She said these issues provide her and her daughters with lessons in resilience.

“These (bashers) test you. Not everything should be light. Not everything should be easy. These teach you how to be resilient,” she said.

She added that criticisms are also important for a leader. “We are open and transparent to public scrutiny because these help us to become better,” she said.

The vice president noted that unfortunately for her, former Senator Bongbong Marcos “has the money to spend to damage my character.”

This, however, will teach Filipinos how to be stronger, she said. /ee