EO indicates Robredo's mandate as ICAD co-chair, says Duterte

President Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday maintained that the scope of Vice President Leni Robredo’s powers as Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs co-chairperson is indicated in the Executive Order (EO) that created the committee.

In 2017, Duterte signed EO 15 that created the ICAD and appointed the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency chief as its sole chairperson.

“She would be asking for the job description. It’s there in the law, it’s the EO creating itong ICAD. Nandiyan lang, basahin lang niya ‘yan, it’s all there and that’s where she would really exercise her duty,” Duterte told reporters.

“Is there a need for you, Leni, to know everything? I don’t think it’s good,” he added.

Robredo earlier refused to examine classified information about the drug war until Duterte clarified her mandate.

"Wala naman akong plano na magsaklaw ng mandato ng iba. Dahil very general iyong appointment sa akin, sinabi na co-chair ako ng ICAD, ginagawa ko kung ano iyong expectations sa co-chair ng ICAD. Kasi iyong ayaw ko, ma-accuse ako na lumalampas ako sa mandato,” Robredo said.

Under the EO, some of the functions of the ICAD are to “ensure the effective conduct of anti-illegal drugs operations and arrest of high-value drug personalities.” —Julia Mari Ornedo/LBG, GMA News