BAGUIO CITY - After months of strained ties, President Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President Leni Robredo shared one stage again during the Philippine Military Academy (PMA)'s commencement exercises on Sunday.

The country's two highest officials, however, were seated a seat away from each other, with Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana sandwiched between them.

Before taking their seats, Duterte greeted Robredo and shook her hand.

Video courtesy of Radio Television Malacañang

Ties between the two leaders grew cold after Robredo resigned as Duterte's Housing secretary, citing "major differences" with Duterte and suspicions that a plot was underway to unseat her from the number two job.

Robredo said she had clashed with Duterte over his policies, including his war on drugs, and his push to reinstate the death penalty.

Duterte, as commander in chief of the Armed Forces, was the guest of honor in the graduation rites of the PMA Class of 2017.

He will present the presidential saber to Cadet First Class Rovi Martinez, who ranked first among the 167 graduating cadets.

Robredo, meanwhile, will present the vice presidential saber to class salutatorian, Cadet First Class Philip Viscaya.