President Duterte Hosted Vin D’Honneur But VP Leni Robredo Did Not Show Up
President Rodrigo Duterte had his first Vin d’honneur hosting in Malacañang, where local officials were present except Vice President Leni Robredo.
On Wednesday (January 11, 2016), the president shared his first toast with the members of diplomatic core, where he welcomed almost a hundred representatives from different countries for the annual New Year’s “Vin d’honneur”.
Foreign and local leaders were present during the annual event except for Vice President Leni Robredo. Her spokesperson Georgina Hernandez said that they have received an invitation to the Vin d’honneur last December 28, 2016, via e-mail but Malacañang took the invite back last January 04, 2016, saying that the guest list was limited.
Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said that he’s not privy to the said retraction. He also said that he does not believe the vice president was being snubbed at the same time he added that the palace has the right to determine who will be included in event’s guest list.
“It is the prerogative of the palace to invite those who they feel that is needed to be there, ” Abella told the reporters quoted by CNN Philippines.
During the speech of President Duterte, he expressed his desire to build a deeper relationship with other countries. He also said that the Philippines values its existing friends and partnerships even it pursues new ties with other countries.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eh5GQDrd4iw
Duterte also reaffirmed his commitment to fighting illegal drugs, poverty, corruption, and criminality in the country. He explained that he wanted to continue to protect and prosper the relationship of the Philippines with its current allies and partners for the greater benefits of the people.
In behalf of the diplomat’s presence, diplomatic Archbishop Giuseppe Pinto wish that the present administration will have a successful year ahead. Duterte successfully delivered the event despite the absence of the country’s second highest official.
