Robredo 'no flower vase' in Duterte gov't
Joel Guinto, ABS-CBN News
Rodrigo Duterte and Leni Robredo. ABS-CBN News
DAVAO CITY – Congresswoman Leni Robredo ''will not be a flower vase'' in presumptive president Rodrigo Duterte's government if she wins the vice-presidency, Duterte's spokesman said Tuesday.
Robredo held a razor-thin lead of 209,006 votes over Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr., each with over 13 million votes based on a preliminary and unofficial count from the Commission on Elections transparency server at 4:42 p.m.
The widow of respected former Naga City Mayor Jesse Robredo would be offered a cabinet position, Duterte spokesman Peter Laviña told reporters.
“We will make sure that she will not be a flower vase,” Laviña said.
“The mayor has extended the hand of friendship and cooperation so we can work with anyone for as long she will not become a tool of the people who are saying they will put roadblocks on the path of the mayor,” he said.
Robredo's running mate in the administration ticket, Mar Roxas, conceded to Duterte on Tuesday.
Senator Pia Cayetano (wearing stripes) with Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, former President Fidel Ramos, Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano and wife Lani, mayor of Taguig City. Handout photo
Sen. Pia Cayetano, sister of Duterte's running mate, Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, will also be given a cabinet post, Laviña said.
Sen. Pia was barred from seeking reelection under the Constitution after she serving two consecutive terms.