Rody, Leni briefly meet at PAF’s 70th anniversary

MANILA, Philippines - President Duterte and Vice President Leni Robredo briefly met yesterday, days after they marked their first year in office.

The country’s top two officials were guests at the 70th founding anniversary of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) at Clark Air Base in Pampanga.

Duterte and Robredo were seated beside each other in their first encounter in over three months.

Before he began his speech, Duterte acknowledged Robredo.

“The Vice President Maria Leonor Robredo, Ma’am, may I look at you for the third time?” the President told Robredo, who simply smiled.

According to Robredo’s close aide, the two officials did not talk and just shook hands.

Last March, Duterte invited Robredo and her children to dinner but has not yet followed up on his invitation.

The Vice President has said she looks forward to their dinner, saying she would like to take the opportunity to discuss her position on various issues affecting the country.

Robredo resigned from the Duterte Cabinet last December after she was barred from attending Cabinet meetings.

Air Force modernization

Duterte vowed to continue supporting the Air Force’s capability upgrade program as he cited the military’s role in fighting terrorism and defending the country’s territory. 

The Chief Executive said the government would acquire more air assets as the country faces challenges posed by terrorism and external threats. 

“I assure you that we will build on our past gains to further strengthen the Philippine Air Force. We will continue the ongoing modernization program by procuring additional attack and combat utility vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles or UAVs to complement our already existing air assets,” he said. 

“I call upon the men and women of the Philippine Air Force to live up to your oath with the highest degree of professionalism and competence. Together let us create an environment where our people can live in peace and prosperity.”  

Duterte said the PAF plays a “crucial” role in the military’s efforts to retake Marawi City from Islamic State-inspired terrorists. He reported that more than 40 air assets and more than 400 Air Force officers and personnel have been deployed to the strife-torn city. 

“As we wrap up our campaign to liberate Marawi, I am confident that the Philippine Air Force will once again take an active role in the rebuilding of the city and uplifting the spirit of those affected by the conflict,” the President said.  

“We will rely on your valuable experience in humanitarian assistance and disaster response, especially in surveying war-torn areas and air lifting relief goods and rescuing victims and people stranded,” he added.  

Duterte said the PAF plays a key role in preserving the Philippines’ national integrity through its reconnaissance missions and maritime patrols in the West Philippine Sea and the Philippine Rise.

He said the PAF also augments internal security operations by providing air support to ground forces and assisting law enforcement agencies in surveillance and intelligence gathering operations.  

The PAF has joined almost 2,000 counterinsurgency and law enforcement operations, five of which were related to Duterte’s war against illegal drugs and loose firearms.

Short prepared speech

Duterte usually delivers lengthy, freewheeling and extemporaneous speeches but decided to stick to his prepared lines yesterday because of the rain.

His speech lasted only about seven minutes, way shorter than the nearly hour-long speeches he is known to deliver.  

“I will just read this so our ceremony will be short. It’s raining. I find it very unsettling sitting there and looking at you all wet,” the President said.