(Eagle News) — Vice President Leni Robredo made “missteps” that made President Rodrigo Duterte change his mind about making her a part of the Cabinet, the Palace said on Tuesday, Nov. 19.
“The Vice President talking with – and seeking the advice of – certain foreign institutions and personalities that have prejudged the campaign against illegal drugs as a violation of human rights, as well as a crime against humanity, did not sit well with the President,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement.
According to Panelo, Robredo’s actions are “all documented [on] mainstream and social media.”
“Being a member of the Cabinet gives Ms. Robredo unlimited access to sensitive state matters which if transmitted by her whether purposely or otherwise could result in adverse consequences, especially since the VP has the tendency to be generous with acquired information and knowledge to others whose predilection may not be in the best interest of the country,” Panelo said.
“These missteps not only derailed President Duterte’s well-meaning intent for the Vice President to be part of the administration, but registered red signs that could not be ignored,” he added.
Earlier, Duterte threatened to fire Robredo if she revealed state secrets as co-chair of the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs.
On Monday, Robredo said no sensitive information would be disclosed.