A Catholic bishop on Friday called on President-elect Rodrigo Duterte to set aside political differences by giving Vice President-elect Leni Robredo a chance to serve in his Cabinet.
"Our first acts toward a person should be about respect, openness and giving that person the chance to exercise her talents and powers," Caceres Archbishop Rolando Tirona said at a news conference in Manila.
Duterte has been non-committtal in recruiting Robredo into his official family, admitting in a press briefing weeks ago that he does not want to hurt the feelings of his friend, Sen. Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr., whom Robredo defeated by a slim margin in the May 9 elections.
The incoming president also cited Robredo's ties with the Liberal Party. He also said there is no law that requires a president to give the vice president a Cabinet position.
While it is up to the president to decide on who should sit in the Cabinet, Tirona said Duterte should recognize the importance of the Office of the Vice President.
"Ang importante lang is kilalanin na mahalaga siya sa bayan and therefore, magkaroon sana ng pagkakataon na to transcend political lines and to give that person the capacity to work for the good of the people," the prelate said.
"As to what capacity, nasa sa kanila na yun, pwede pag-usapan," TIrona added.
But even without a Cabinet post, Robredo has said she will carry out her poverty alleviation advocacy by tapping the support of the private sector.
Source: GMA NEWS
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