The palace responded to the statements of Vice President Leonor “Leni” Robredo and former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III on President Rodrigo Duterte’s absence of trust to the Vice President with respect to her co-chairmanship of the Inter-agency Committee on Anti-illegal Drugs. Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo reasoned that trust is something earned, and the veep needs competence and creativity to execute the duties appended to her post. “Ms. Robredo, must, however, understand that one’s election to the vice presidency does not automatically clothe the occupant with trustworthiness. Trust is earned. The missteps of the VP did not inspire confidence in the matter of keeping to oneself classified information. Her job in leading the agencies involved in the anti-illegal drug campaign requires competence and creativity. Trust comes into play only as regards the non-transmission of state secrets that imperils the safety of the Filipino people and the sovereignty of the country,” stated Panelo.
With regard to the ex-President, Panelo stated that the former Chief Executive should just focus on the pending cases against him and on his health rather than dealing with the drug problems which he did not attend during his six-year presidency.
