Business leaders saddened by Leni’s resignation

MANILA, Philippines - The rift between President Duterte and Vice President Leni Robredo is exposing cracks in the current administration, which in the long run may negatively impact the economy, a European business leader said yesterday.

“While it is too early to understand the mid- or long-term effects of the resignation, it appears to show a disparity of the government. We need unity to drive the economy forward and not disparity amongst the decision makers,” European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) president Guenter Taus said.

Taus said the ECCP is among the business groups saddened by Robredo’s decision to quit her post as Duterte’s housing chief effective yesterday.

“We are rather surprised, if not shocked, to see Vice President Robredo’s resignation,” he said.

Robredo on Sunday said she was told by Malacañang to stop attending Cabinet meetings through a text message from Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco Jr.

“It is unfortunate that Vice President Leni is no longer welcome to the Cabinet as she brought integrity and dedication to her position. She will be missed by the housing sector, which with her guidance and support had developed very ambitious plans, especially for the socialized housing sector. It is hoped that her successor will pursue these worthy initiatives,” said Makati Business Club trustee and former president Ramon del Rosario Jr.

Citing his personal view on the matter and not reflecting that of his organization, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry president George Barcelon said Robredo’s decision to resign was voluntary and “should just anchor on policy differences with the Duterte administration.”