'A great role model for women': US official praises VP Robredo's acceptance of drug czar role

MANILA - Vice President Leni Robredo's move of accepting the drug czar position despite challenges and criticisms is a perfect example of women trying to make a difference in their societies, a US Senior Police adviser said on Thursday.

"Her moving into this role as drug czar should be a great role model for all women in the country and especially in women in policing, and in government, and in the criminal justice system," said Linda Mayberry on ANC's Headstart.

• Duterte giving Robredo a 'ladder to presidency' in drug czar appointment: Palace

In the interview, Mayberry said Robredo is an example of women who prepared themselves for positions of power and leadership where they can make a difference in their country.

"I think that's what we all strive to do whether as heads of governments or heads of our police organizations or just any other type of jobs. We all have to strive to be the best that we can," she said.

President Rodrigo Duterte, in a letter dated Oct. 31, designated Robredo to co-chair the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs, which is headed by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

She accepted the position last week despite fears from her allies claiming the post was a trap to ensure her failure.

The Vice President, 54, said she would go after drug bigwigs, policemen who allegedly resold seized narcotics, and officials who smuggled tons of shabu into the country. 

"Those kind of women who educate themselves, who prepare themselves mentally, physically, professionally to move forward will be successful," Mayberry said.

Senator Ronald Dela Rosa earlier urged Robredo to be at the forefront of the war on drugs campaign.

• Dela Rosa on Robredo joining drug raids: 'You should be at the forefront'

CONFERENCE ON WOMEN IN LAW ENFORCEMENT

Meanwhile, Mayberry said issues and challenges that women in law enforcement face will be tackled in a 5-day conference. 

Mayberry said the US Embassy in Manila, together with the Philippine National Police and the local government of Quezon City will host the inaugural Asian Women Leading Enforcement Conference next week.

"Women can be very strong leaders. They can be strong advocates for victims and many times, because they are relegated to certain types of jobs and roles within not only the police agencies, but within the criminal justice system as a whole, they don't often have the opportunities to show off those skills and to move into those leadership positions. That's what this conference is all about," Mayberry said.

The conference, the first of its kind in Southeast Asia, will bring together 200 female law enforcement officials from the region.