By Deighton Acuin

PHOTO: Canadian Inquirer/PCOO

Malacañang said Wednesday President Rodrigo Duterte would certainly know that Vice President Leni Robredo does not have what it takes to lead the country.

While he agreed that the voting public will have their say on her political fate, Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said Duterte is among the voters who will have a verdict for the next president.

 “Tama po yan. ‘Yan ay desisyon ng taumbayan pero kabahagi po ng taumbayan ay ang Presidente, na siya’y boboto rin,” Roque said in an interview over state-run People’s Television Network.

“At dahil siya’y naging presidente, alam niya yung mga kakayahan na kinakailangan para maging isang Presidente at ang kanyang naging assessment na sumatutal, hindi po angkop na maging presidente ang ating bise presidente,” Roque added.

During his national address last February 15, Duterte slammed Robredo after she likened his demand for the United States to pay Philippines for the continuation of activities under the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) as “extortion.”

He said Robredo should “study more” if she wins the 2022 presidential contest although the Vice President has yet to unveil her political plans for next year.

However, during her press briefing over the Supreme court’s dismissal of electoral protest filed by Former Senator Bongbong Marcos, Robredo said it is not for Duterte to say if she is fit to assume the country’s highest office.


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