Coming from Cagayan province, President Duterte has traveled to typhoon-hit Camarines Sur today, Nov. 15, not only to check the government’s disaster response efforts but also pay a “courtesy call” to Vice President Leni Robredo.
The President was wrapping up the disaster relief briefing held at the Tuguegarao City airport in Cagayan when he mentioned his planned meeting with Robredo in her home province.
“Hindi na ako magtagal (I can’t stay for long). I have to go, I have to fly to, ganito rin, sa Legazpi,” Duterte initially said toward the end of the situation briefing.
After someone clarified that he was headed to Camarines Sur, Duterte said: “Okay, sinabi ninyo eh. Nandoon si Leni, taga-doon ‘yan (Okay, you said it. Leni is there. She is from there).”
“Mag-courtesy call tayo sa kanya (Let’s pay her a courtesy call),” the President said, smiling.
Duterte and Robredo, however, are unlikely to cross paths in Camarines Sur since the VP is not in her home province.
The country’s top two leaders were actually visiting Cagayan at the same time. Robredo reportedly visited flood-hit towns in Cagayan, while Duterte met with several Cabinet members and other local officials on disaster rescue and relief for the flood-hit province.
Prior to the situation briefing, the President conducted an aerial inspection of the flooded communities in the province. Accompanying the President in the helicopter ride was his former aide and now Senator Christopher Go.
Duterte, in his remarks, assured the people of Cagayan of the government’s swift relief and rehabilitation aid so they can return to normalcy as soon as possible. He directed authorities to prioritize the provision of food, water, and shelter for the families displaced by the floods in the province.