MANILA—President Rodrigo R. Duterte and Vice President Maria Leonor Robredo had a very cordial but brief meeting shortly after the change-of-command ceremonies held for new Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Ricardo Visaya on Friday.
This was the first meeting of the nation’s two highest officials since the May 9 elections.
“Meeting with President Duterte was very cordial. I asked him on when it would be convenient for him for a courtesy visit, and he said anytime,” Robredo said in Filipino.
She added that her office will now work to arrange for the courtesy call, adding that the Chief Executive seems warm for the proposed visit.
President Duterte, for the first time, acknowledged Robredo in his speech to the delight of military officials and guests present.
“The Vice President, Leni Robredo, this is my first time to meet you personally. I would have preferred to sit beside you but the defense is there,” he said.
Duterte was referring to ranking military officials Visaya and former acting AFP chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Glorioso Miranda who were seated beside Robredo.