Duterte ‘open to cordial working relationship’ with Leni – spokesman

MANILA, Philippines – President-elect Rodrigo Duterte is “open” to a cordial working relationship with Vice President-elect Leni Robredo, his spokesperson  said on Thursday, June 16.

In an interview with ANC, incoming presidential spokesperson Ernie Abella was asked about the possible working relationship of the two incoming top officials.

“I’m sure that the President, being the president of the entire nation, is quite open to having a cordial relationship with the Vice President, a more than cordial…working relationship with the Vice President,” Abella said.

“But as to the nature of it, I cannot say so,” he added, apparently referring to Duterte’s earlier statement that he would not give a Cabinet position to Robredo.

Responding to questions, Abella also said that there are no plans, as of yet, for the two officials to meet. The two will have separate inaugurations on June 30, as decided by the president-elect.

Prior to their proclamation, Robredo had said that she would seek a meeting with Duterte so she can personally assure him of her 100% support as vice president, so they can have a good working relationship.

Days later, in a media interview, Duterte said he had no Cabinet position for Robredo as  did not want to hurt his friend, Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr, who lost in the tight vice presidential race by just over 200,000 votes.

He said there was “no compelling reason” for him to accomodate Robredo in his Cabinet as they belonged to opposite sides of the political fence. 

Duterte  met with Marcos on June 10 in Davao City, where they discussed a possible Cabinet position for the outgoing senator, once the one-year ban on losing candidates lapses.

Listening ear?

Abella also said that contrary to the image some people have of him, the president-elect is “flexible” and open to ideas.

“What I do admire is his sense of flexibility and openness, and he’s actually listening to people, contrary to the [opinion] that he’s bullheaded or whatever,” he said.

“He does have a listening ear and quite willing to adjust although he has very firm ideas about what needs to be done and what needs to be achieved,” Abella added.

One of the decisions that concerned citizens hope Duterte would reconsider is his announcement that he would allow the burial of dictator Ferdinand Marcos Jr at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (Heroes’ Cemetery), one of his campaign promises.

Among Duterte’s allies, his running mate, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, is opposed to the plan.

If the president-elect pushes through with the plan, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV predicted that it would be the “first headache” of the Duterte administration, as it would divide, and not unite, the country. – Rappler.com