Vice President Sara Duterte met with her predecessor, former Vice President and Angat Buhay chairperson Atty. Leni Robredo, at the latter’s home in Naga City on Friday, September 20, 2024. The meeting took place during the ongoing Peñafrancia festival, according to Atty. Barry Gutierrez, Robredo’s former spokesperson.
In an interview with veteran journalist Pinky Webb on The Agenda, streamed via The Bilyonaryo News Channel, Gutierrez confirmed that the meeting was personal in nature. “It was purely personal. Kuwentuhan tungkol sa pamilya, kamustahan. Parang the typical pleasantries na exchange ng isang taong dumalaw sa bahay mo during the festival,” he shared.
Gutierrez explained that the visit was unexpected, with Robredo learning about it only moments before Duterte’s arrival. “Literally minutes after a mutual acquaintance called her, she was informed that VP Sara was already on her way,” he revealed.
The two leaders spoke for less than an hour, primarily exchanging pleasantries, with no political issues discussed, according to Gutierrez. He emphasized that the encounter was not out of the ordinary, considering the festival season in Naga, when many political figures and visitors come to the city.
Gutierrez also mentioned that this was the first time Robredo and Duterte had met in person since before the 2016 elections. Despite the surprise visit, Gutierrez did not find the meeting unusual, noting that Robredo often receives visitors during the Peñafrancia festival.
“Sara initiated the visit, which caught us by surprise, but it’s not uncommon for political figures to drop by during this time,” Gutierrez said, placing the event within the context of the festival’s busy schedule.