This season of giving, Vice President Leni Robredo would want to give President Rodrigo Duterte a “special” gift.

Robredo was asked during a chance interview in her hometown in Naga City what she would give to Duterte as a Christmas gift.

In jest, the Vice President responded: “Baka pasensya.” (Maybe patience).

But more seriously, Robredo also wished good health for the 71-year-old President who recently said that he might not finish his term due to old age.

Duterte also pointed out last week that he has been experiencing frequent migraines, plus spine issues and two diseases – Buerger’s Disease and Barrett’s Esophagus. (READ: LIST: ‘Migraine everyday’ and Duterte’s other ailments) 

Buerger’s Disease is a condition common among smokers that constricts blood vessels in the arms and legs. Barrett’s Esophagus, meanwhile, is also a complication linked to smoking, which causes food already in the stomach to flow back to the esophagus.

“Parati tayong nag-wi-wish na sana pangalagaan niya ang kanyang kalusugan kasi talagang anim na taon, siya ang naatasan mamuno sa atin,” said the Vice President.

(I always wish that he would take care of his health because he was given 6 years to lead our country.)

After 5 months of serving under the Duterte Cabinet as chairperson of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC), Robredo had resigned earlier this month.

Robredo quit after receiving a text message from Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco Jr, ordering her to stop attending Cabinet meetings.

Since her resignation, Robredo has not yet spoken with Duterte personally. (READ: Strangers, then estranged: Key ‘Dubredo’ moments in 2016) 

Robredo, however, expressed willingness to continue reaching out to the President. Duterte also assured Robredo that she would be able to serve her term without fear of being replaced by former senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr, who has a standing electoral protest against her. – Rappler.com