MANILA – Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio did not look desperate or distressed when she met with her predecessor, former Vice President Leni Robredo, in the latter’s residence in Naga City.
In a statement sent to Panay News, the Office of the Vice President clarified that a common friend arranged the meeting between Duterte-Carpio and Robredo on Friday afternoon.
“(Duterte-Carpio) was invited by a Bicolano friend to attend the centennial anniversary mass of the Canonical Coronation of Our Lady of Peñafrancia,” the OVP said.
“The same friend also arranged a casual meeting with former Vice President Leni Robredo,” the statement added. “(Duterte-Carpio) neither looked desperate nor distressed.”
The OVP further stated that, during the Vice President’s stay in Naga, she visited several prominent Bicol personalities and heard mass with ordinary Bicolanos.
Robredo’s spokesperson Barry Gutierrez disclosed to the media on Friday night the meeting between Leni and Duterte-Carpio, which lasted for around an hour.
“Former VP Leni Robredo was in Naga for the Peñafrancia Festival. While she was there, VP Sara Duterte visited her at her house,” Gutierrez said. “The conversation was personal and not political.”
“VP Leni was informed of the visit only minutes before when she was told that VP Sara was already on the way. The visit lasted for about an hour,” he added.
The Dutertes, particularly former President Rodrigo Duterte, are staunch critics of the opposition Liberal Party which Robredo previously headed.
Robredo is planning to run as Naga City mayor in the 2025 local elections./PN
