From Vice President Leni Robredo
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Vice President Leni Robredo (Source: GMA News)
Statement of Vice President Leni Robredo :
We had hoped this day would not come.
I had been warned of a plot to steal the Vice Presidency. I have chosen to ignore this and focus on the job at hand. But the events of recent days indicate that this plot is now being set into motion. From the very beginning, the President and I had major differences in principles and values. Since I assumed office, I have been consistent in my opposition to issues such as the burial of former President Ferdinand Marcos in the Libingan ng mga Bayani, extra-judicial killings, reinstating death penalty, lowering the age of criminal liability, and sexual attacks against women.
But we both had a mandate to serve the people. I had hoped that this shared commitment to the poor and marginalized would transcend the differences between us. So, I took the job of Housing Secretary when it was offered to me.
In barely five months, we have solid accomplishments in HUDCC. This, despite the obstacles thrown our way, which are: One, the budget for all key shelter agencies in 2017 has been slashed by more than P19 billion. Two, all our key shelter agency appointment recommendations have not been acted on. Three, the Executive Order designed to make HUDCC effective was not signed.
Then, we received a text message last Saturday from Cabinet Secretary Jun Evasco, Jr., relaying the President’s instruction through Bong Go for me “to desist from attending all Cabinet meetings starting this Monday, December 5.”
This is the last straw, because it makes it impossible for me to perform my duties. Hence, I am tendering my resignation from the Cabinet on Monday, December 5, 2016. With this resignation, you can expect that I will continue to support the positive initiatives of this administration and oppose those that are inimical to the people’s interest. However, as your duly elected Vice President, I will not allow the Vice Presidency be stolen. I will not allow the will of the people be thwarted. I will continue to serve the Filipino family and fulfill their dream for a better life.
This is the full statement of Malacañang from the Office of the Communications Secretary:
"The Palace has yet to receive the official letter of resignation of Vice President Maria Leonor 'Leni' Robredo as Chairperson of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC).
"A member of the Cabinet enjoys the full trust and confidence of the President for he or she acts as the President's alter ego. Having said this, the President entrusted the Vice President, whom we all know came from a rival political party, a position in his official family in deference to the wishes of our people who want both leaders to work together and succeed.
"As a Cabinet member, the Vice President is expected to be a team player where differences in policies and issues are discussed during Cabinet meetings. The President in turn respects any decision agreed upon by his Cabinet.
"Recent events, however, showed the differences between the President and the Vice President as becoming irreconcilable and public.
"The Vice President has served our people for many years in various capacities and we wish her to continue this unhampered service to the nation to the best of her abilities."