Former vice president Leni Robredo was simply a gracious host in welcoming Vice President Sara Duterte into her home when the latter visited Naga City and their one-hour talk did not delve into politics, former Office of the Vice President (OVP) spokesperson Barry Gutierrez clarified on Saturday, Sept. 21.

The former OVP spokesman and lawmaker took to X (formerly Twitter) to clear the air about Robredo’s surprise talk with Duterte, which he also confirmed happened on Friday, Sept. 20.

“Ang simpleng kuwento: Dumiretso sa bahay ng biglaan. Tinanggap niya ng maayos. Nag-usap- hindi tungkol sa pulitika. Kuwentuhan hindi meeting. Umalis. Tapos (The simple story. She went straight to the house suddenly. She welcomed her. They talked not about politics. It was just a talk, and not a meeting. She left. The end),” he wrote.

Former senator Antonio Trillanes IV, who ran under Robredo’s banner in the 2022 elections, demanded the former vice president to explain the supposed meeting.

He hinted that it left a bad impression to see Robredo welcoming the current Vice President who insulted recently Senator Risa Hontiveros, the de facto leader of the opposition.

But Gutierrez, who himself is a staunch critic of the Vice President, defended Robredo’s actions in accommodating Duterte.

“Hindi ko gusto ang pulitika ni Sara Duterte. Pero tama lang na magalang siyang tinanggap ni VP Leni (I do not like Sara Duterte’s politics. But it is only right that she was respectfully welcomed by VP Leni),” he said.

“Di tayo bastos (We are not rude),” he added.

Former senators Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan also defended Robredo from some criticisms.

Pangilinan, who ran as Robredo’s vice president in the 2022 polls, reminded that Peñafrancia draws people “from all walks of life” and the Robredos have always welcomed everyone since the late mayor Jesse Robredo became local chief executive.

“Agenda ni Ma’am Leni dito hindi pulitika kundi i-welcome ang mga sumama sa pilgrimage, regardless. Huwag na sana natin palakihin pa (Ma’am Leni’s agenda here is not politics but to welcome everyone who joined the pilgrimage, regardless. Let’s not make a big thing out of it),” he wrote on X. 

Aquino praised Robredo for welcoming Duterte into her home because opening one’s door to a political foe is something not often see in politics today.

“Huwag sana nating lagyan ng malisya ang isang courtesy call at tamang paggalang kay (Let us not put malice in a courtesy call and rightful show of respect for) Atty. Leni Robredo,” he said.In a statement, Duterte explained that a Bicolano friend, who she did not name, arranged the casual meeting with Robredo.

Robredo’s successor was in Naga City to attend the centennial anniversary mass of the Canonical Coronation of Our Lady of Peñafrancia on Friday, Sept. 20.