We support the resignation of Vice President Leni Robredo from the Cabinet of the Duterte administration. Her exclusion from attending Cabinet meetings is a move that reeks of repression, in which dissenting voices are silenced instead of engaged. The vice president has done her duty well as Housing Secretary as far as the resources allotted to her can go, and even in the face of many challenges that have delayed or deterred the proper execution of her responsibilities.
We understand that while it may indeed be difficult to work with someone whose values clash with your own, the crass and graceless way in which Robredo was turned down from the Cabinet was disrespectful, and in fact reflects poorly on the administration. Robredo is the duly-elected vice president of the country, and as such should be accorded with the respect that the President himself demands from others.
We continue to stand with Vice President Robredo on the serious issues facing our country, those which had been stipulated as the “irreconcilable differences” between her and President Duterte. We firmly believe that Marcos is not a hero and does not deserve a hero’s burial at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, we do not support the planned reinstatement of capital punishment, and we believe the nine-year-old children should not be punished for the failure of the system to educate and protect them.
To all Filipinos seeking truth, justice, and accountability, rest assured that we will continue to fight oppression, and we hope that you will also stand in support of Vice President Robredo.
Today is not the time to be disinterested, as bigger issues are at stake, issues that will affect not just ourselves, but our children and grandchildren as well. Let our government know that democracy is alive and well in our country; we will not let anyone enslave us in fear and submission. #LabanLeni #LeniIsMyVP