Palace: Leni to benefit from Duterte resignation

MANILA, Philippines — It’s Vice President Leni Robredo who will benefit most if President Duterte makes good his promise to resign together with Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno and Ombudsman Cochita-Morales.

This was according to Communications Secretary Martin Andanar, who stressed that such scenario is inevitable as Robredo is the chief executive’s legitimate successor in case of a vacancy in the presidency.

“Well, as the president said, if he and Chief Justice Sereno and Ombudsman Carpio-Morales resign at the same time - that’s what’s going to happen,” he said in a radio interview referring to Robredo automatically taking over as president.

He noted that Duterte has been vocal about his lack of interest in clinging to power.

Duterte had repeatedly said that he would be ready to step down or turn over the presidency to the military in case factions in the uniformed services would launch a coup or establish a  revolutionary government.

He said the president has been saying that in case he dies in a plane crash, the vice president can always take over.

Andanar stressed Duterte was not joking when he challenged the ombudsman and the Chief Justice to resign.

“The President is serious in whatever he said, lalo na iyong mga statement na hindi siya gutom sa kapangyarihan at hindi naman niya ninais na maging Pangulo bagkus ay mas gusto na lang niyang magretiro doon sa Davao City (especially in statement regarding his not being hungry for power or being president, and his wish to retire in Davao),” Andanar said. “But then again, that statement is really out of the frustration,” Andanar said.

Duterte was irked by  accusations of Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV that he maintained multi-million bank accounts – which the chief executive vehemently denied.  What angered the president more was that the ombudsman had acted on unsubstantiated claims made by the political opposition, he said.   

Andanar said the chief executive’s resignation will only come if the two officials also resign from their posts.

“Well, the President—that’s the point here, he is willing to, you know, put at stake  his life, honor and the presidency,” Andanar said.

 Dared to resign by President Duterte who accused her of corruption and selective justice, Morales made it clear she “will not be baited into abandoning her constitutional duties.”

In a statement, Morales declared she is ready to answer allegations raised against her by President Duterte . 

“If the President has charges against me, I am prepared to answer them in accordance with existing laws,” she stressed.

But with the Office of the Ombudsman also investigating President Duterte’s alleged unexplained wealth, she said she also expects the highest official of the land “to answer the charges against him in the same manner.”

“As public officials, we have sworn to uphold the rule of law. We should as well, serve with honor, honesty, and decency,” her statement read.

President Duterte earlier dared Morales and Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno to resign with him saying they have allowed themselves to be used by his political enemies.

In his speech at the oath-taking of new officers of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines last Saturday, Duterte said it would be best for the three of them to just step down because they seemed to be the ones causing trouble to the country.

Morales, appointed by former president Aquino in July 2011, will finish her seven-year term in July 2018.  – With Michael Punongbayan