Robredo thanks Duterte for recognizing COVID-19 initiatives

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 4) – Vice President Leni Robredo thanked President Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday for acknowledging her office’s COVID-19 initiatives.

“Nagpapasalamat kami sa pahayag ng Pangulo na hindi kasalanan ang tumulong sa kapwa Pilipino ngayong panahon ng krisis,” said Atty. Barry Gutierrez, the Office of the Vice President spokesperson.

(Translation: We are grateful for the President's statement that it is not a sin to help fellow Filipinos during this time of crisis.)

In his televised speech aired late Friday night, Duterte commended Robredo’s efforts in helping Filipinos in need amid the COVID-19 crisis.

“Si Leni was calling the private sector, na magtulong, humingi ng tulong. Tama 'yan. Maghingi ka sa kapwa mong tao ng tulong,” said Duterte.

(Translation: Leni was calling the private sector, to help, to get help. That's correct. Ask your fellow human beings for help.)

Duterte’s appreciation of Robredo’s activities contrasts with Philippine Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) Commissioner Manuelito Luna’s view that the Vice President should be investigated for “undermining” the administration’s anti-COVID-19 measures.

RELATED: PACC exec wants NBI to go after Robredo for 'competing' with government's COVID-19 response

In a statement on April 2, Luna said Robredo violated certain laws when she received donations through “illegal solicitations” and for allegedly competing with the national government’s own efforts.

In the same speech on Friday, Duterte fired Luna from his post.

RELATED: Duterte says he fired PACC commissioner who sought NBI probe on Robredo

The OVP had slammed Luna’s call for a probe by the National Bureau of Investigation, calling it “so ridiculous, so inappropriate, so out of touch.”

Gutierrez said Robredo has been working with private individuals and companies in raising funds to augment government’s efforts to combat the spread of the coronavirus.

The OVP has donated personal protective equipment to various hospitals and offers free shuttle service and dormitory quarters for health workers and other frontliners.

“Patuloy ang aming panawagan para sa mga donasyon para sa PPE at iba pang ayuda sa ating mga doktor, nars, at iba pang frontliners,” told Gutierrez.

(Translation: We continue to call for donations for PPE and other assistance to our doctors, nurses, and other frontliners.)