VP Leni Robredo Used As “Political Animal” By Critics To Discredit President Rody Duterte

Malacañang is not discounting the possibility that Vice President Leni Robredo might have been tapped as “political animal” by the critics of President Rodrigo Duterte to secure his impeachment.

Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said VP Robredo’s video message to the United Nations (UN) calling for international scrutiny on the Philippines’ drug war, and the Thursday’s filing of first impeachment case against the President could not be disregarded as just “mere coincidence.”

Abella issued the statement even after the President, in a press conference held last Monday, absolved VP Robredo from oust plots by his political rivals to “make him unpopular” and remove him from office.

Despite this, VP Robredo called on the UN to investigate President Duterte’s war on illegal drugs that killed thousands of individuals.

The Vice President said international community’s concern over the Philippines drug war “gives us comfort, courage, and hope.”

Abella said the Vice President is in a “pathetic” situation as she could possibly be used to discredit the Chief Executive.

“If it is not her personal intent, she may have played into the hands of those who wish to use her as a political animal. Either way it is a pathetic state of affairs for her,” he added.

On Thursday, Magdalo Representative Gary Alejano filed the first impeachment complaint against President Duterte.

He said the President committed culpable violation of the Constitution, betrayal of public trust, graft and corruption, and other high crimes.

Abella said Alejano took advantage of filing the case on the last day of session in Congress as it “secures him a whole month and a half to malign President Duterte without being challenged by fellow legislators.”

Congress has been on Lenten break until May 2.

Abella reiterated that the impeachment complaint was “an orchestrated effort of a well-funded destabilization campaign” against the President.

President Duterte revealed this week that mining firms are funding the opposition groups to damage his reputation but clarified that VP Robredo was not among the critics being funded.

Source: Sunstar PH