MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Leni Robredo is unfazed by the plan of a former Naga City councilor to file a plunder case against her over the alleged multimillion-peso “substandard” infrastructure projects that were implemented during her stint as congresswoman.
As this developed, Robredo’s spokesperson Barry Gutierrez said in an interview that the Vice President will press charges against blogger Drew Olivar, who made serious allegations against her in a video that circulated online.
Former Naga councilor Luis Ortega, in particular, cited the construction of a P200-million bridge, which he claimed was poorly built.
Gutierrez said they are confident all the projects carried out during Robredo’s term as representative of Camarines Sur’s second district were efficient.
He challenged critics to file cases before the courts if they have evidence that the projects were low quality.
Gutierrez also said Robredo is unperturbed by Ortega’s accusations that her brother-in-law, Butch, is allegedly behind the proliferation of illegal drugs in their town.
“This is a rehashed allegation. This is not worth the Vice President’s time,” he said.
Robredo’s husband, Jesse, served as mayor of Naga for almost two decades.
Jesse, who served as secretary of the interior and local government, died in a plane crash in August 2012.
Robredo on Saturday called Duterte’s remarks a “huge insult” to the people of Naga City.
Vulgar video
As regards Robredo’s case against Olivar, Gutierrez said “that’s definite.”
“We’re just finalizing the complaint but it’s sure we will sue him,” he said.
“Vice President Leni’s lawyers are just discussing what is the most appropriate case they will file against him,” he added.
Olivar’s video circulated online days after the highly criticized “pederalismo” video of him and presidential communications assistant secretary Mocha Uson.
Olivar made serious accusations against the Vice President, including going on a trip to South Africa just to engage in sex.
He also accused Robredo of using public funds to send her eldest daughter, Aika, to Harvard University.
Meanwhile, Gutierrez said he believes the latest attacks against Robredo were meant to divert the public’s attention from real issues. – With Emmanuel Tupas, Romina Cabrera