First meeting with Duterte ‘cordial,’ says Robredo

It was a “cordial” first-time meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte, said Vice President Ma. Leonor “Leni” Robredo on Friday.

The two highest elected leaders met for the first time after the May 9 elections in the change-of-command ceremony held in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

“The Vice President Leni Robredo, this is my first time to meet you personally. I would have preferred to be seated beside you but nandiyan si Defense (Secretary Delfin Lorenzana is there) eh,” Duterte said in jest during his speech.

READ: Duterte, Robredo finally meet in Camp Aguinaldo

After the program, the two exchanged pleasantries and the President apparently tried to offer his coconut juice in a tetra pack. When he noticed that the media were taking photos of them, Duterte asked Robredo to pose for the cameras.

“Nagpaalam ako sa kanya kung pwede akong magpa-set ng schedule or a courtesy visit, so pagbalik ko siguro sa office, aasikasuhin kami makapag-set kami ng meeting (I asked his permission if I could set a schedule or courtesy visit, so when I come back to the office, we would set a meeting),” she told reporters after the event.

“He said I could come anytime,” the Vice President said.

READ: Robredo sets appointment with Duterte; President says yes

The two held separate inagurations on Thursday, a first in Philippine history.

Duterte, who earlier decided to hold his inauguration in a simple ceremony in Malacañang instead of Quirino Grandstand, wanted a separate oath-taking from Robredo to give her a chance to invite more guests.

The President earlier said he would not give a Cabinet position to Robredo because of his friendship with defeated vice presidential candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. RAM/rga