Palace: Leni barred from attending Cabinet meetings due to 'differences'

MANILA, Philippines — Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar on Sunday said President Rodrigo Duterte’s order to bar Vice President Leni Robredo from attending Cabinet meetings was due to “irreconcilable differences.”

“Maraming polisiya at pananaw na magkasalungat kaya humantong sa order na hindi na padaluhin si vice president sa Cabinet meeting,” Andanar said in an interview with dzBB.

“Ito ay dahil sa irreconcilable differences between President Duterte and Vice President Robredo,” he added.

Andanar’s statement was seconded by Cabinet Secretary Leoncio “Jun” Evasco Jr. who, according to Robredo, told her of Duterte’s directive that she desist from attending Cabinet meetings starting December 5, Monday.

In her statement announcing her planned resignation from the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council, Robredo admitted that she has opposing views with Duterte but admitted that she hoped it would be patched by their mandate to serve the public.

READ: FULL TEXT: Robredo on why she is resigning from Duterte's Cabinet

Evasco: She's not fired

Evasco confirmed that she sent Robredo the text message indicating Duterte’s order. He said he tried to call the vice president but there was no response, leaving him to just relay the president’s message via SMS.

The Cabinet secretary, however, clarified that there was no instruction to fire Robredo.

“There was no instructions for VP Robredo's termination,” Evasco said in an interview with dzMM.

“If they cannot support what the president is doing, then they have to resign,” he added.

Andanar also said they have no plan to threaten nor remove anyone from office. He also denied the speculations that Robredo’s vice presidency is in danger saying only Robredo could answer that.

The Communications secretary said Duterte believes in the Constitution. He also said no one is eyed yet to take over Robredo’s housing post.

“Hindi namin trabaho na magbanta at hindi namin trabaho na magtanggal ng opisyal,” Andanar said.

“Ayaw naming pangunahan si Pangulong Duterte kung sino ang ipapalit kay Vice President Robredo sa HUDCC,” he added.

Last July, Duterte asked Robredo to “assist” him as he leads the country in the next six years.

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