Robredo says she’s not involved in Duterte ouster calls

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Leni Robredo on Thursday clarified that she is not behind any movement or organization calling for the ouster of President Rodrigo Duterte.

“Hayagan ko pong sinasabi: Hindi ako bahagi ng anumang panawagang bumaba sa puwesto si Pangulong Duterte. Ang panawagan ko lang, sana gawin nating lahat ang trabaho natin bilang mga lingkod-bayan,” Robredo stressed.

(I openly declare that I am not part of any call to President Duterte to step down. My only appeal is for us to do our jobs as public officials.)

“Nakarating po sa atin ang mga ulat ukol sa napipintong pagtitipon ng mga mamamayan sa ika-22 ng Pebrero .  Sagrado ang karapatan ng mamamayang magtipon at ipahayag ang kanilang mga saloobin,” Robredo said in a statement.

(We have received reports about an upcoming movement on February 22. The right of the people to gather and express their thoughts is sacred.)

Regardless, Robredo said she supports demanding accountability through lawful means.

“Gayunpaman, nais ko ring bigyang-diin: Kailangang maging buo ang katapatan natin sa mga institusyon at sa batas. Dapat idaan ang pagpapahayag ng mga hinaing at pagpapanagot sa ating mga pinuno sa mga prosesong alinsunod sa Saligang Batas,” Robredo said.

(Nonetheless, I would like to emphasize that we need to abide by our institutions and the law. Expressing our thoughts and holding our officials accountable should be aligned with the Constitution.)

GSG