Leni Robredo Reacts on “Oust Duterte Plot”

Vice President Leni Robredo released a statement on 30 December 2016 regarding “Oust Duterte”.

30 December 2016

I am not aware of, much less am I involved in, any effort to “oust” the President.

Furthermore, I categorically deny joining rallies that called for the President’s ouster.

Criticism is not conspiracy, and the administration is well advised to stop seeing “plots” behind every unflattering news report, irate citizens’ assembly, or angry Facebook post.

The President and I both took an oath to uphold the Constitution and I take this very seriously.

It is the right of every citizen in our democracy to express her opinion, and this includes those critical of or in opposition to an incumbent government. This principle is a cornerstone of our free Republic.

To my understanding, many criticisms of the President have come about as a reaction to his own actions and statements – the Marcos burial at Libingan ng mga Bayani, the ongoing extrajudicial killings, the proposed restoration of the death penalty, and the retreat from our West Philippine Sea claims, among others.