Robredo finds Cayetano's 'Plan B' claims offensive

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED Sept. 16 at 2:28 p.m.)— Vice President Leni Robredo on Thursday admitted taking offense at Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano's questions directed to a former Davao City militiaman.

Cayetano imputed Robredo and the Liberal Party of a plot against President Rodrigo Duterte at the Senate justice committee hearing in questioning witness Edgar Matobato, who accused Duterte of having ordered the deaths of about 1,000 people when he was city mayor.

Cayetano accused the Liberal Party for possibly having sent Matobato to testify at the inquiry into drug-related killings as part of its alleged "Plan B" to oust Duterte from the presidency and have Robredo, a Liberal Party member, succeed him.

"I am testing whether he is a credible witness or this is the part of Plan B of the Liberal Party na makuha ang Malacanang at manira lang," Cayetano said.

Robredo, meanwhile, denied of any plot and warned that "it is not good for the country to undergo another period of upheaval."

"We are offended by Senator Cayetano's accusation that the Liberal Party is plotting to oust the President and that I will be the intended beneficiary of this plan," Robredo said in a statement.

Robredo, who beat Cayetano's campaign for vice president in the May election, said she has made assurance to members of the Cabinet earlier this week that "no such plan exists."

"We (the Liberal Party) continue to support the reforms of this administration," Robredo said.

The vice president said, however, that allegations raised by Matobato are "serious."

"We must exhaust all efforts to get to the truth with due regard for our democratic processes and rule of law," Robredo said.

"Tingin ko obligasyon nating lahat na suportahan ang ating pangulo." Robredo added.

At a press briefing on Friday, Robredo said she has not yet met with Duterte on the issue. Robredo is part of Duterte's Cabinet as housing chief.

"Kami ni Pangulong Duterte, very good ang aming working relationship na sana hindi naman masira ng ganito," the vice president said.