MANILA, Philippines – Vice President Leni Robredo, the latest addition to the Duterte Cabinet, was warmly welcomed to her first Cabinet meeting, Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella said on Tuesday, July 12.

“It was a very warm situation. She was warmly welcomed and she seemed to appreciate the fact that she was part of the Cabinet now,” Abella told Malacañang reporters.

Photos of the July 11 Cabinet meeting released to media showed Robredo seated with other Cabinet members in the Aguinaldo State Dining Room. Later on, she is shown shaking hands with a smiling President Rodrigo Duterte. 

Abella said that since it was her first Cabinet meeting, Robredo listened for the most part. She was not yet given any marching orders as housing chief.

One of the topics explained to Robredo was the Duterte administration’s controversial anti-drugs campaign.

“She was made privy to the process and the thinking of the war on drugs,” said Abella. 

Robredo “did not express any” views on the campaign, claimed Abella.

The Vice President has said that her new appointment as Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council head will allow her to better serve homeless Filipinos. She has given her 100% support to the Duterte administration.

Duterte has also asked for her help in leading the country. – Rappler.com