The Office of Vice President (OVP) on Monday, March 29, clarified that it was not sending e-mails purportedly congratulating those who “continue to destroy the image of President Duterte” on social media.
In an advisory posted on her offical Facebook page, Vice President Leni Robredo said there was no truth to the e-mail and it was fake.
A screenshot of the e-mail that Robredo’s office got showed it came from this address: [email protected].
“I would like to congratulate you for what you are doing. Please continue to destroy the image of President Duterte since this will be crucial in retaking the presidential seat for the 2022 elections. I want to be seated there!,” it read.
“Continue to propagate your Facebook posts and instill it into the minds of young Filipinos in order for them to hate the current administration. Keep it up!,” the email said.
The vice president warned the public against the proliferation of the fake e-mails claiming to come from her office.
“Muli, pinapaalalahanan natin ang ating mga kababayan na maging mas mapanuri sa mga nababasa online at huwag basta maniwala sa mga haka-haka at kasinungalingan (Again, we remind our fellowmen to be more discerning on what you read online and don’t just believe rumors and lies),” she said.
Robredo remains open to the idea of running as opposition’s standard-bearer in the May 2022 polls, but she has repeatedly said her current focus is to address the coronavirus pandemic.
Her supporters have been pushing her to run for president next year, possibly going against presidential daughter Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio or Senator Bong Go.
“Sa ngayon, nakatutok lamang ang Bise Presidente sa iba’t ibang inisyatibo sa ilalim ng COVID-19 operations ng OVP (For now, the vice president is focused only to the different initiatives under the OVP’s COVID-19 operations),” Robredo’s office said.