Study Room, Malacañan Palace
04 July 2016

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte received Vice President Maria Leonor ‘Leni’ Robredo when she paid him a courtesy call in Malacañang.

Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence ‘Bong’ Go escorted the Vice President inside the Study Room of the Palace where they talked for about an hour.

Vice President Robredo later made a statement saying that President Duterte invited her to visit him more often, with the President asking her; “Please assist me in my job… It is better that you are also informed of the country’s situation.”

The Vice President said that the meeting was important as an “ice breaker” and President Duterte was good natured and very respectful. “He called me ma’am and it was embarrassing,” she added.

“Our image alone that we are friends will appease many troubled minds. I hope the feuds between our supporters will be reduced. This is important moving forward,” said Vice President Robredo.

She also said that they talked about similarities in their political campaigns.

“We were both gifted with this sudden opportunity. We were both reluctant candidates. He told me that he was still getting used to all the protocols, security. And I told him, me too,” said the Vice President.

This is the second meeting of the President and Vice President Robredo since the Armed Forces of the Philippines Change of Command ceremony in Camp Aguinaldo on July 1, 2016.

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