MANILA, Sept. 7 (PNA) — All government officials need to watch their words when speaking before people, especially the international community, Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo said on Wednesday.
Robredo was reacting to Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s recent offensive comment aimed at US President Barack Obama before their scheduled bilateral meeting during the ASEAN Summit in Laos.
Duterte’s tirade led the White House to cancel the scheduled meet between the two heads of state.
The Vice President noted that although it was saddening that the meeting between Duterte and President Barack Obama was cancelled, she was hopeful that the damage could be repaired.
“Nakakahinayang yun pero yung sa atin naman mahahanapan naman yan ng paraan, not a meeting but to repair whatever damage there is. (It is regrettable that it (meeting) did not push through but I believe we can find a way to repair whatever damage there is),” Robredo told reporters in an ambush interview.
Asked if she found it necessary for Duterte to be more cautious when making such statements, Robredo said it should serve as a reminder for all government officials as well.
“I think lahat tayo, hindi lang Pangulo, pati ako, pati lahat ng government officials. Kami lahat kailangan maging maingat. (I think that goes for all of us, not just the President, but even myself, even other government officials. All of us need to be careful),” she added.