Palace calls for probe into Robredo brother-in-law’s alleged drug links

Malacañang on Wednesday called for an investigation into allegations that a brother-in-law of Vice President Leni Robredo is involved in the illegal drug trade in Naga City.

Former Naga City councilor Luis Ortega said on Tuesday that Butch Robredo, brother of the late former Naga mayor and Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo, has links to illegal drugs and is now hiding in the US.

Ortega also said the Vice President and other local officials are aware of the drug problem in the city.

“Ito po ay isang development na dapat talagang imbestigahan,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in an interview on radio dzRH.

“Importante pong malaman natin ang katotohanan dito, dahil naninilbihan din sa bayan ang ating Bise Presidente at kung may mga ganitong pangyayari, dapat malaman natin anong mga hakbang na ginawa ni Bise Presidente, para mapatupad ang batas sa sarili niyang siyudad at sa sarili niyang mga kapamilya.”

Duterte earlier called Naga a “hotbed of shabu” to boost his argument against the leadership ability of Robredo, his constitutional successor whom he deemed incompetent to tackle the country’s pressing problems including the drug menace.

Robredo and Naga City officials have cried foul over Duterte’s claim. Last Friday, the Naga City Council passed a resolution that said it "cannot remain silent over this deep insult hurled against the dignity of all Nagueños."

Naga Mayor John Bongat also questioned the basis for Duterte's statement.

Roque, however, said that Duterte does not have to present proof that the illegal drug trade thrived in Naga.

"He already has access to information. He said it. Let it be," Roque said at a news conference. "I think if he’s wrong, he will apologize. Until he does, he stands by it."

In his pronouncements against Robredo, Duterte also said that he would prefer defeated vice presidential candidate Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos as a successor, with the Palace even going so far as saying the President would step down if Marcos wins his poll protest against Robredo. — BM, GMA News