VP Leni criticizes Duterte for alleged coddling of corrupt officials

Vice President Leni Robredo criticized President Rodrigo Duterte for allegedly coddling government officials implicated in corruption allegations, urging him to initiate investigations himself.

Robredo made these remarks in response to Duterte's recent criticisms against Senator Richard Gordon, who heads the Senate probe into the alleged overpricing of government COVID-19 supplies and chairs the Philippine Red Cross.

She questioned why Duterte would wait for the Senate to investigate officials facing mere allegations if he himself is not involved in corruption.

Robredo emphasized that the evidence of wrongdoing is apparent, and Duterte should proactively order probes instead of appearing to protect the implicated individuals.

The Vice President's comments came shortly after Duterte's public statements against senators conducting investigations into alleged government irregularities, which he dismissed as political posturing.