Outgoing Vice President Leni Robredo, who just came back from a two-week vacation in the United States, congratulated Vice President-elect Sara Duterte-Carpio for her win in the May 9 polls and assured the readiness of her team for a “smooth transition.”
The letter, signed by Robredo, acknowledged the receipt of Duterte-Carpio’s letter on May 27, asking for their transition teams to meet.
“We respectfully acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 27 May 2022 requesting an initial meeting between our respective teams,” she wrote.
“Please be advised that we are ready to meet to answer any questions you may have regarding the Office of the Vice President and to take all necessary steps to ensure a smooth transition,” it added.
Robredo appointed her chief of staff and OVP Undersecretary Philip Dy, as head of the transition team.
She told Duterte that Dy “will get in touch directly with your team to set this up.”
READ: VP-elect Sara’s camp reaches out to Leni’s, brings up transition
The Vice President also took the time to congratulate and wish Duterte “all the best” as the 15th vice president of the country.
The Davao City mayor defeated Robredo’s running-mate Senator Francis “Kiko“ Pangilinan by 22.7 million votes. She garnered a total of 32.2 million votes against the senator’s 9.3 million votes.
Earlier, Duterte revealed reaching out to the OVP for a smooth transition of power.
On Monday, May 30, Duterte’s spokesperson, Liloan Mayor Christina Frasco, clarified that the meeting will only be between their transition teams and not between Robredo and the Vice President-elect.
This was after some reports assumed that the two, who were last seen together in public in 2015, will meet after almost seven years.
Robredo will step down as vice president at noon on June 30. However, she assured supporters she will continue her anti-poverty alleviation initiatives, and is expected to announce the creation of an Angat Buhay NGO (non-government organization).
READ: Robredo announces creation of Angat Buhay NGO
Angat Buhay is the OVP’s flagship poverty alleviation program under Robredo. Despite having little mandate and resources, she partnered with private companies and organizations to launch millions’ worth of livelihood assistance to the country’s marginalized sectors.