PRRD offers Robredo Cabinet position vs. drug menace

In a chance interview in Davao City, Duterte said he would give Robredo a Cabinet position so that “she will have the authority” to take over all drug-related agencies and bureaus. (File photo: VP Leni Robredo/Facebook)

MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte is now offering Vice President Leni Robredo a Cabinet position to take over the administration’s aggressive campaign against illegal drugs.

In a chance interview in Davao City, Duterte said he would give Robredo a Cabinet position so that “she will have the authority” to take over all drug-related agencies and bureaus.

“If I would take her in as the drug czar, I will have to first make her a Cabinet member. Then, I will give her the marching orders and the specific functions. All in connection with drugs, kanya (it’s hers),” Duterte said.

Duterte, however, said he will not need to put his offer in formal writing. All Robredo needs to do is rejoin his Cabinet.

“Hindi na kailangan (It’s not necessary). I will swear her — I will swear as a Cabinet member. First, balik siya (she should return) so that she will have the authority,” he added.

“Ang Cabinet members are alter ego lang ng Presidente ‘yan (of the President). So kung may gawain ang Cabinet member (if the Cabinet takes action), it is as if it is mine. So to make it legal, just a little fiat,” he added.

The President said he would no longer need to seek permission from Congress to get Robredo back in his Cabinet.

“I will just make her the — a Cabinet member. Tapos (Then), all drug cases and all things, matters in connection with drugs iyo na ‘yan hanggang katapusan ng term ko (will be yours until the end of my term),” Duterte said.

In a statement, Presidential Spokesperson said the President decided to give Robredo a Cabinet position to dispel all doubts on his sincerity after he initially asked her to be drug czar for only six months.

If the Vice President accepts the offer, she will rejoin Duterte’s Cabinet this time to be in charge of all anti-illegal drug-related agencies.

Robredo was Chairman of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) until she stepped down on Dec. 5, 2016.

“The President renews his offer to the Vice President to become the anti-illegal drugs czar, with all offices, bureaus, agencies or government instrumentalities involved in the enforcement of the law on prohibited drugs placed under her command and supervision with a cabinet secretary portfolio, to ensure her effectiveness in combatting the drug menace,” Panelo said.

Panelo said the President made this decision after hearing commentaries made by the opposition calling his offer “a trap” since six months is a limited time to solve the country’s drug problem.

He denied that Duterte was only offering Robredo the position to see her fail because she would lack support from anti-drug bureaus and agencies.

“We want VP Leni to succeed, her success being ultimately a triumph of the Filipino people against the dreaded and destructive evil that is destroying the basic fabric of our society,” Panelo said.

Earlier, Panelo insisted that Duterte’s offer to Robredo was a “kind gesture” that would allow her to “show her mettle” and prove that she could do more rather than just criticize the administration.

Panelo said that Robredo accepting the role as drug czar was a “golden opportunity” that could even propel her into the presidency.

Robredo, who questioned Duterte’s offer, stressed that giving her law enforcement powers is an admission that the drug war is indeed a failure.