Leni plays Santa to cancer patients

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Leni Robredo played Santa Claus to cancer patients at the Quirino Memorial Medical Center (QMMC) in Quezon City yesterday.

Robredo was accompanied by her daughter Tricia, spokesperson Georgina Hernandez and former social welfare secretary Dinky Soliman.

They distributed gifts to children with cancer and other chronic diseases. The gifts, including towels, children’s books, toys and food were donated by partner organizations and individuals, Robredo said.

She said the Jesse Robredo Foundation, an institution named after her late husband, decided to forgo its Christmas party to give joy to the children.

“We chose QMMC because one of our partners, Kythe Foundation, is supporting this institution,” Robredo said.

Meanwhile, Soliman asked the public not to give alms to street children during the Christmas season.

Soliman urged the people to send their donations or gifts for the street children through the Church or non-government organizations.

“Children are not safe on the streets. They could inhale carbon monoxide, which is bad for their health,” she said.