Robredo defends Germany trip; slams fake news

FILE: Vice President Leni Robredo (Photo: VP Leni Robredo/Facebook)

The Vice President defended that her trip to Berlin, Germany last week was not funded by the government, and said that this was a product of fake news.

Vice President Maria Lenor “Leni” Robredo on April 15, Sunday, took to her official and verified social media accounts to confirm that the said foreign trip “was fully financed by Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF).”

“Contrary to the fake news spreading online that this was ‘paid for by the Republic of the Philippines,’ no amount was charged to the Philippine government,” the post read.

“Let us be critical and vigilant against false information posted online and offline,” it added.

The post also attached a link to the FNF’s website for the public to verify the trip’s details.

According to foundation’s website, it hosted a Study Visit Program in Berlin, Germany this April for key Philippine public officials “who are dedicated to finding sustainable solutions to poverty-elimination and social justice.”

Robredo, Chairperson of the Liberal Party (LP), was also joined by the said party’s president, Senator Francis Pangilinan; Marikina City Representative Miro Quimbo; Quezon City Representative Jorge Banal; Dinagat Representative Kaka Bag-ao; Ifugao Representative Teddy Baguilat; and former Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Florencio Abad.

The FNF is a foundation based in Germany that aims to promote liberal principles and political education. According to its website, its goal is “to advance the principles of freedom and dignity for all people in all areas of society, both in Germany and abroad.”

FNF is active in over 60 countries in the globe in support of human rights, rule of law, and democracy.

“In order to achieve these aims, the foundation seeks to foster both international and transatlantic dialogue through conferences, study tours, and publications, among other means,” FNF said.

“In addition, the foundation supports local, regional, and national initiatives which advance the rights of minorities, the democratic control of security forces, and the strengthening of international human rights coalitions,” the foundation added.