By Genalyn Kabiling
Meeting for the first time since the alleged opposition-led ouster plot against him was revealed, President Duterte broke the ice and teased Vice President Leni Robredo about giving him the cold shoulder lately.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte greets Vice President Maria Leonor Robredo on the sidelines of the commencement exercises of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) ‘Mabalasik’ Class of 2019 at Fort General Gregorio Del Pilar in Baguio City on May 26, 2019. KING RODRIGUEZ/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO/ MANILA BULLETIN
Both Duterte and Robredo attended the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) graduation in Baguio City Sunday. The two leaders shook hands and sat beside each other onstage.
At the start of his speech, the President greeted Robredo and ribbed her for not smiling at him anymore.
"Vice President Maria Leonor 'Leni' Robredo, ma’am… Bakit noon ma’am naga-smile ka sa akin ngayon hindi na? Ikaw ha ," Duterte said in jest.
Robredo was seen laughing at the President's comment.
Earlier, Duterte shook hands with Robredo upon arrival at the PMA graduation ceremony at Fort del Pilar in Baguio City.
The latest encounter between Duterte and Robredo came after a certain Peter Advincula recanted an earlier statement in the video alleging the drug links of the President's family and associates. Advincula, who claimed to be Bikoy in the videos, instead accused the Liberal Party and Senator Antonio Trillanes IV of orchestrating the videos supposedly to replace Duterte with Robredo.
The Vice President has vehemently denied plotting against the President.
Relations between Duterte and Robredo have been strained since the vice president quit the Cabinet in December 2016.
Robredo earlier tendered her resignation letter as chair of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC), citing differences in principles and values with the President. She was earlier barred from attending Cabinet meetings for supposedly not being a team player.
READ MORE: Duterte reminds PMA graduates to serve country as ‘good, humble soldiers’
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte greets Vice President Maria Leonor Robredo on the sidelines of the commencement exercises of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) ‘Mabalasik’ Class of 2019 at Fort General Gregorio Del Pilar in Baguio City on May 26, 2019. KING RODRIGUEZ/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO/ MANILA BULLETIN
Both Duterte and Robredo attended the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) graduation in Baguio City Sunday. The two leaders shook hands and sat beside each other onstage.
At the start of his speech, the President greeted Robredo and ribbed her for not smiling at him anymore.
"Vice President Maria Leonor 'Leni' Robredo, ma’am… Bakit noon ma’am naga-smile ka sa akin ngayon hindi na? Ikaw ha ," Duterte said in jest.
Robredo was seen laughing at the President's comment.
Earlier, Duterte shook hands with Robredo upon arrival at the PMA graduation ceremony at Fort del Pilar in Baguio City.
The latest encounter between Duterte and Robredo came after a certain Peter Advincula recanted an earlier statement in the video alleging the drug links of the President's family and associates. Advincula, who claimed to be Bikoy in the videos, instead accused the Liberal Party and Senator Antonio Trillanes IV of orchestrating the videos supposedly to replace Duterte with Robredo.
The Vice President has vehemently denied plotting against the President.
Relations between Duterte and Robredo have been strained since the vice president quit the Cabinet in December 2016.
Robredo earlier tendered her resignation letter as chair of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC), citing differences in principles and values with the President. She was earlier barred from attending Cabinet meetings for supposedly not being a team player.
READ MORE: Duterte reminds PMA graduates to serve country as ‘good, humble soldiers’