TAYSAN, Batangas — Vice President Leni Robredo made light of her appearance as President Duterte’s last-minute stand-in during Monday’s Independence Day rites, saying she was sure the latter had a good reason for not showing up.
“I was told the President would not be able to make it when I was around five to 10 minutes away from Luneta. So I was told the President could not make it and they asked if I could take his place,” she told reporters during a visit with a rural community here.
“To me it was not a problem. I’m sure he had an important reason to be absent,” Robredo said of the President.
“Suddenly, the Vice President had the lead role,” one staff member said.
“I was told the President would not be able to make it when I was around five to 10 minutes away from Luneta. So I was told the President could not make it and they asked if I could take his place,” she told reporters during a visit with a rural community here.
“To me it was not a problem. I’m sure he had an important reason to be absent,” Robredo said of the President.
Although the attendance of the two officials had been officially
confirmed at the June 12 celebration at Luneta in Manila, Mr. Duterte
did not show up. No reason was immediately given though officials said
he took a rest day.
Robredo
ended up taking the commanding role, leading the flag raising and
wreath laying ceremonies before performing a salute in front of the
statue of Jose Rizal. By her side was Foreign Affairs Secretary
Alan Peter Cayetano.
Staff members from Robredo’s office told the Philippine Daily
Inquirer they were taken by surprise when they were suddenly told to
“take over from there” by Malacañang personnel, who, until the
announcement of the President’s absence, had been calling the shots.Alan Peter Cayetano.
“Suddenly, the Vice President had the lead role,” one staff member said.
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