No cabinet post for Robredo? Netizens say ‘It’s Duterte’s choice,’ ‘unprofessional’

MANILA, Philippines – Incoming vice president Leni Robredo has not been given a place on incoming president Rodrigo Duterte’s cabinet.

When asked about what role Duterte had in mind for her, “non-committal ako diyan (I am non-committal). You know why? I don’t want to hurt the feelings of Bongbong Marcos. He is my friend. That is the political reality,” he said on Tuesday night, May 31.

Rappler asked its Twitter followers what they thought about his statement.

Let’s discuss! What do you think of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte’s statement on why he hasn’t given VP-elect Leni Robredo a Cabinet post?

— Rappler (@rapplerdotcom) June 1, 2016

An overwhelming amount of replies flooded in to talk about the internet-favorite’s latest stunner.

Most respondents seemed disappointed, saying they weren’t as worried about the lack of a position for Robredo as they were about the reasoning behind it:

@rapplerdotcom His reason is quite absurd.Friendship should be set aside when you are a public servant. This is service and not personal

— April Reed Badong (@elle_aquina) June 1, 2016

@rapplerdotcom I am somehow okay with that but the line of reasoning is something I can’t let go. NOT TO OFFEND MARCOS? are you serious?

— Papa K (@KIMdelaCROP) June 1, 2016

@rapplerdotcom He holds the highest position. He must at least know where to draw the thin line between friendship and professionalism.

— Aila Monica Flores (@amrflores) June 1, 2016

@rapplerdotcom I don’t think it’s necessary for him to give Leni a spot in the Cabinet. But to use BBM as the main reason is unprofessional.

— Marvin Louie (@mrvnfbr10) June 1, 2016

@rapplerdotcom he should have set aside their differences and think of the greater good

— ella (@SPACESHlFT) June 1, 2016

@rapplerdotcom The justification was immature in Duterte’s part (not wanting to hurt BBM’s feelings.

— trace (@DelusionalHuman) June 1, 2016

@rapplerdotcom Even PNoy gave Binay a position even if they weren’t exactly political allies.

— trace (@DelusionalHuman) June 1, 2016

@rapplerdotcom find it way too honest but unprofessional at the same time.

— Mikecol Titong (@imikeCOOL) June 1, 2016

@rapplerdotcom He has offended LGBTs, PWDs, journalists, etc. but chooses to not offend Marcos? An oddity, really.

— trace (@DelusionalHuman) June 1, 2016

@rapplerdotcom It goes to show that Duterte is never the unifying President he claimed to be. Not even shocked.

— Mark Angelo Roma (@IamMarkRoma) June 1, 2016

Other Twitter users defended Duterte saying it is his prerogative as the incoming president whether or not to invite anyone to be a part of his cabinet and that Robredo can stand on her own two feet:

@rapplerdotcom it’s his right not to give VP Robredo any Cabinet post. Why do some people whine about it? My goodness, use ur brains please!

— DJMendez Says™ (@DJMendezSays) June 1, 2016

@rapplerdotcom it’s his prerogative as President.It might take time when you come from opposite party. No big deal she has her budget anyway

— JFH (@Julie042348) June 1, 2016

@rapplerdotcom I think Mayor is more extra careful to choose his cabinet post. Choice niya yun. Huwag nating kontrahin, just respect

— SOY EDDY (@senyora_eddy) June 1, 2016

@rapplerdotcom Just like d proclamation, it is NOT actually required. It has been a practice but a Pres CAN DECIDE. whether we accept or not

— RAQ (@raquickie) June 1, 2016

@rapplerdotcom A No No for a cabinet position, She can work as VP on her own oppositionally way as per LP’s advice.

— sonofdel (@dededelson) June 1, 2016

Some netizens speculated that this latest move by the president-elect could be due to trust issues from the recently concluded intense election campaign season:

@rapplerdotcom it could b trst issues VP Leni should go & talk 2 Du30 personally about what she wnts to do & how. Get 2 know each other 1st

— Michael (@jmagonz) June 1, 2016

@rapplerdotcom does not want a LP in his cabinet

— Hubert (@hubes888) June 1, 2016

@rapplerdotcom He believes she didn’t WIN..clean. Alam nyang talamak ang VOTE-BUYING na ginawa ng LP sa provinces..he hates dat practice.

— RAQ (@raquickie) June 1, 2016

@rapplerdotcom 1) She’s a woman; 2) She’s an LP; and 3) He’s paying back his biggest campaign funders, the Marcoses.

— Isabel Felix (@isabelfelixdin) June 1, 2016

@rapplerdotcom Sinabi nya lang yan para hindi diretso na sabihin na incompetent si leni. Sya na lang bash since wala na president na sya

— Mark Sheldon Agulto (@SheldonAgulto) June 1, 2016

We asked Twitter users what cabinet position they’d offer Robredo, were they in Duterte’s shoes:

@rapplerdotcom DSWD or make her head PAO

— Bernadette Lim (@Bdettelim) June 1, 2016

@rapplerdotcom Leni can handle any post still up for grabs.Why not give her NAPC or HUDCC or NHA?Or are Digong’s minions threatened?

— Maricel Almojuela (@celalmo) June 1, 2016

@rapplerdotcom NONE, @RRD_Davao said he wants the best and the brightest why should he appoint a BAR FLUNKER @lenirobredo

— Lacierda (@GAYlacierda) June 1, 2016

Vice president-elect Robredo has responded to the statement as well. “May posisyon man o wala, sisikapin kong matupad ang mga pangakong binitiwan ko sa ating mga kababayan sa abot ng aking makakaya,” she said in a text message to Rappler on Tuesday evening, May 31.

(Whether I’m given a Cabinet post or not, I’ll do my best to make sure I fulfill the promise I made to our countrymen to the best of my ability.)

What is your opinion on this latest issue to surround the next Philippine president? Share your thoughts on X! – Rappler.com