Leni to Duterte: Uphold rule of law, protect women’s rights

MANILA, Philippines - Vice president-elect Leni Robredo urged yesterday president-elect Rodrigo Duterte to make clear and concrete his commitments to uphold the rule of law and protect the rights and welfare of women. 

In a carefully worded statement, Robredo reiterated her full support for Duterte, who has continued to receive flak locally and abroad for his statements on media killings and his treatment of women.

“I continue to be reassured by the President-elect’s repeated assertions that he will uphold the rule of law, as well as by his strong record of promoting women’s rights during his service as Davao City mayor,” Robredo said. 

“I hope that these commitments will be more clearly reflected in his public pronouncements,” she said. “It is testament to the power and prestige of the presidency that each statement and each action of our leader is taken as an indicator of official policy.” 

She said there is a need for constant vigilance and circumspection, to avoid raising any unnecessary concern, particularly over issues as sensitive as the murder of journalists and the treatment of women in society.

She said remains supportive of the incoming administration even as she assured the people that she will always stand firm on the principles that have guided her entire career as a public interest lawyer, a women’s rights advocate, and a public servant in Congress. 

She said she always believed that Filipinos should give full support to Duterte saying: “when we help him to succeed, we are helping our nation, and ourselves, succeed.”