Malacañang accused Vice President Leni Robredo of politicking after an accusation from her camp was made against the allies of President Rodrigo Duterte.
On Wednesday, Spokesman of the Office of Vice President Barry Gutierrez stated that the administration “spends more time” attacking Robredo than responding to the country’s “real” problems.
“This Administration spends more time attacking Leni Robredo than responding to the real, urgent problems of our people and nation,” Gutierrez said.
“Kulelat tayo sa pagkuha ng bakuna? Awayin si Leni Robredo. Mabagal ang pagtugon sa bagyo at baha? Siraan si Leni Robredo. Milyon milyon ang nawalan ng trabaho? Insultuhin si Leni Robredo,” he enumerated.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque then responded by saying that they wouldn’t waste their time for the Vice President.
“Hindi namin siya pinag-aaksayahan ng panahon,” Roque said during a press briefing.
“Patuloy po ang aming pagtratrabaho, samantalang Si VP Leni po ay namumulitika at nangangampanya na para maging Presidente sa pamamagitan ng kaniyang walang tigil na birada sa Administrasyon.”
Netizens reacted to Roque’s claims by uploading screenshots of President Duterte have been allegedly campaigning themselves for the Presidential race next year.
Joker ka? @attyharryroque 🙄🙄🙄 pic.twitter.com/oGQZwJ85F1
— Jover Laurio (@PinoyAkoBlog) March 11, 2021
Screenshots of messages that [seemed to] contain reminders from the President and his daughter Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio. Duterte-Carpio topped the list of Presidential bets for the 2022 elections.
Ano say mo @attyharryroque https://t.co/pDkt5BK0er
— Jules Guiang (@julesguiang) March 11, 2021
Other Netizens immediately rushed to defend Robredo, saying that she doesn’t even need to put up tarpaulins as she makes herself visible by using her skills.
VP Leni Robredo won’t need to pay people to put up tarps. Her advertisements are by word of mouth of the people who believe in her capabilities. https://t.co/TOPZOXKOgO
— marksi montan (@marksimontan) March 11, 2021
Another even called Roque a liar.
Hahahaha! Sinungaling ka HR! Laging may time si PD na ibash si VP sa mga speech nya.. https://t.co/z1nsfjZ08j
— TigerIsAFan 💗Team Alden (@jeannieDV) March 11, 2021
“Pero #RunSaraRun ganern?” wrote a Twitter user.
Pero #RunSaraRun ganern? https://t.co/Rf9jW4pxde
— KEV (@kevinsanityxxx) March 11, 2021
Jai Cabajar tweeted that he’s “tired” of the spokesperson.
I’m so tired of Roque
— Jai Cabajar (@jaicabajar) March 11, 2021
“Leni [has] done more than you all could ever,” Ales stated.
harry roque tonta wtf is this i am watching leni's done more than y'all could ever
— aless (@al3ssmrn) March 8, 2021
Other netizens shared the same sentiments and even described Duterte as a “puppy of China.”
https://twitter.com/_ARIAisabel_/status/1370015262481678342
Gutierrez clapped back on Twitter by uploading a collage of instances where the administration is allegedly politicking amid a pandemic.
Sino nga ulit ang namumulitika at nangangampanya SA GITNA NG PANDEMYA? Lantarang lokohan na ito eh. https://t.co/xUsCTkcb88 pic.twitter.com/dqruXznxeA
— Barry Gutierrez (@barrygutierrez3) March 11, 2021