Robredo says 'natural' for people to ask about president's whereabouts during crisis

Amid social media trends inquiring about President Rodrigo Duterte’s whereabouts in the past few days, Vice President Leni Robredo said it is the “natural instinct” of people to look for their leader during a crisis situation.

"Sa akin, may basis kung bakit naghahanap kasi ganoon naman kahit di ka presidente, kahit governor o mayor ka basta may nangyayari sa lugar mo, it is the natural instinct to look for their leader,” Robredo said in an interview with ANC.

[There's basis for the inquiries because not only for president, even for governor or a mayor, it's only natural for people to look for their leader during times of crisis.]

She further explained that the public is looking for assurance about the government’s response to the current health crisis.

"Kasi kapag wala 'yung assurance, 'yung tao na-stress s'ya eh (people get stressed when there's no assurance)," she said. "I think that is where it is all coming from."

Robredo reiterated her stance that there should be someone who will direct the government's response as different agencies are already overwhelmed and exhausted.

"Ang nagtitimon doesn’t have to be the President although para sa akin malaking bagay kapag siya ang nagtitimon kasi hindi sila makaka-hindi. It is different if si Secretary [Carlito] Galvez ang nag-oorder sa mga agencies pero pag si Presidente ‘yun mas mabilis. Mas mabilis kung siya mismo ang nandoon," she said.

[The one taking charge doesn't have to be the President himself but for me it would be better if he is because people can't say no. The response would be faster.]

Malacañang has yet to comment on Robredo's latest remarks.

If the President cannot be there, Robredo said there has to be somebody who will serve like the conductor in an orchestra.

"He doesn’t play the instrument but he is the one who is putting order in a lot of things. ‘Yun ang nakikita kong kulang ngayon (I think that's what's missing now)," Robreo said.

"In fairness, everyone is working, but everyone is already exhausted from last year," she added.

On Wednesday, rumors about Duterte’s ill health have circulated following the rescheduling of his weekly Talk to the People public address.

The rumors were quickly dispelled by Senator Bong Go, Duterte’s former aide, when he posted a picture showing the President dealing with paperwork.

Go also said that the weekly address was postponed after 45 members of the Presidential Security Group tested positive for COVID-19.

On Thursday, Go shared another photo of Duterte to show that the President is in good health. —KBK, GMA News