Duterte hopes for more graduation rites with 'my lady' Robredo

MANILA, Philippines – Was it part of a charm offensive?

 

President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday teased Vice President Leni Robredo anew, calling her "my lady" and telling her that he always looks forward to seeing her.

 

Duterte and Robredo attended the graduation of the Philippine National Police Academy "Maragtas" class of 2018 in Cavite, the third time they were seen together in public this week. 

 

Robredo, the highest elected official of the former administration Liberal Party, was seated beside Duterte during the event, which was also attended by top security officials and Cabinet members. 

 

Duterte started his 40-minute speech by wishing for more graduation rites so he could see Robredo more often. 

 

"Vice President Maria Leonor 'Leni' Robredo, this is the third time that I have greeted you, my lady," the president said. 

 

"The first one was at the PMA (Philippine Military Academy) in Baguio, then Fort Bonifacio yesterday (March 20) and now, here. I hope there will be more graduations to come so I can see you. I love to see my vice president," he added. 

 

Robredo smiled after the president made the remark, which drew cheers from the audience.

 

Duterte and Robredo also attended the PMA class of 2018 graduation last Sunday in Baguio City and the Army anniversary in Fort Bonifacio last Tuesday. 

 

Robredo was the chair of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council but she resigned in December 2016 after Duterte barred her from attending Cabinet meetings. 

 

Duterte said he disallowed Robredo from attending Cabinet meetings because she joined rallies seeking to oust him but the vice president denied joining such events. 

 

During the PMA graduation, Duterte said he and Robredo are "friends."

 

On Tuesday, Duterte joked that members of the National Security Council Executive Committee talked about Robredo during their meeting in Malacañang last Monday.