By Raymund Antonio
Vice President Leni Robredo on Saturday thanked United States Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim for his congratulatory message on being the new co-chair of the government’s task force against illegal drugs.
Vice President Leni Robredo (VP LENI ROBREDO / FACEBOOK / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)
“Nagpapasalamat ako sa pagpahayag ni Ambassador Kim, hindi lang ‘yung congratulatory message pero the fact he said the US is looking forward to partner with us,” she said in a media interview in Quezon City.
(I thank Ambassador Kim not only for his congratulatory message, but the fact that he said the U.S is looking forward to partner with us.)
The lady official was responding to the tweet of Ambassador Kim, who congratulated her for accepting the leadership role at the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD).
Robredo already presided over her first ICAD briefing on Friday at her office in Quezon City, alongside Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Director General Aaron Aquino, her co-chair.
The ICAD is created through Executive Order No. 15 issued by President Duterte to “ensure the effective conduct of all anti-illegal drug operations and arrest of high-value drug personalities.”
The Vice President recognized the important contribution of the U.S to the intelligence gathering with regard to the government’s anti-narcotics campaign.
“Within the week, I will meet with the officials of the U.S Embassy to fix the flow of assistance and information,” the 54-year-old opposition leader said.
On Saturday, Robredo spoke before delegates from various countries at the 14th Indo-Pacific Federation Conference of the Theosophical Society held at Microtel Wyndham Hotel in Quezon City.
While she talked about how people can shine light for others in these difficult times, she also touched on her decision to accept the challenge to lead the campiagn against illegal drugs.
"I accepted this position because it is what my principles and my heart are telling me to do. It also tells me that we can win this fight, not by brute force or bloodshed, but with courage, empathy, and dedication,” said Robredo.
“These are qualities that the Filipino is known for: his compassion and his heart. And I believe that together, we can uplift the lives of our people and bring back the dignity each one is due,” she added.