By Genalyn Kabiling  A London-based economic research firm's preference for Vice President Leni Robredo over President Duterte to lead the country was just "wishful thinking", and an attempt to interfere in the country's sovereignty, Malacañang said Sunday. Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo
(OPS / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN) Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo hit back at Capital Economics for trying to meddle in the country's affairs when it projected better economic prospects in the Philippines in case Robredo replaces Duterte. “Unang-una that is wishful thinking. Pinakikialaman na naman nila ang soberenya at ‘yung tinig ng taong bayan na naghalal sa kanya overwhelmingly ," he said in a radio interview. “Masyado silang nakikialam sa pamamalakad ng ating pamahalaan ," he added. The research firm reportedly projected there will be influx of investments in the country if Robredo takes the place of Duterte amid reports about his poor health. It claimed that investors might welcome a leadership change in the Philippines given Duterte's alleged "authoritarian tendencies." Panelo, however, pointed out that foreign investments into the coming have actually increased under the Duterte's watch. "Maling-mali sila doon definitely. Sinasabi ng economic managers na maganda ang investment natin lalong-lalo na sa foreign ," he said. Amid the latest comment from a foreign entity, Panelo has renewed his appeal to Robredo to be vigilant about the advice given to her as the new anti-drug czar. "‘Yun ang sinasabi natin kay VP Leni na mag-ingat ka sa pagtanggap sa pagpayo sa iyo na inaakala mo na makatulong na at baka sa halip na makatulong ay baka makasira ," he added. READ MORE: London-based think tank says Robredo to lure more investments if she replaces Duterte