Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo on Vice President Leni Robredo's termination from ICAD: The Vice President herself said "if you don't like me, fire me." She was really telling the President to fire her.
Panelo: If you criticized [the administration's war on drugs] for being ineffective, then, you must have already some measures in mind. But you never presented that for the last 3 or 4 weeks. We have not heard that publicly or privately.
Panelo: She never presented any program at all. Moreover, you must remember that it's the VP Leni herself asking the President to fire her. Don't forget that. If you were the appointing power, how would you receive that kind of dare or taunt?
Panelo: Wala nga siyang ginawa eh. If I were in her position, I would have presented a program kaagad.
Panelo: The Vice President should have exerted effort, day one pa lang. Kapag kini-criticize mo yung trabaho ng gobyerno, dapat alam mo na may mali silang ginagawa. How can you criticize if you do not know what is good or not?
Panelo: In other words, walang pagbabago. Ano ba ginawa niya from the very start?
Panelo, quoting Robredo: "Kung ayaw mo sa akin, e di sabihin mo." That's very rude. That's not polite.
Panelo states the President will not issue an executive order to formalize Robredo's termination from ICAD.
Panelo: Does the President deserve the taunt and dare of the appointee? The appointing power has already expressed distrust. We even said, you were rude. Very respectful nga yung statement ko eh. If you're uncomfortable in your seat, then leave quietly.
Panelo: Matagal na nga ang isang buwan eh. Kung ako ang Presidente, kung wala kang ginawa in one week, you're fired.
Panelo: Put yourself in the shoes of the appointing power. "Kung ayaw mo sa akin, e di sabihin mo sa akin. Madali akong kausap." You don't say that to your boss, to the President of the Philippines.
Panelo: She blew it. I'm sorry. I really wanted her to succeed. Did you notice, I've been defending her since day one of the appointment.
Panelo on the several SEA Games mishaps: The Office of the President is giving no excuses, and we as the host country are apologizing for the inconveniences. Even with the number of countries participating, [the inconveniences] cannot be avoided. These will never be intentional.
Panelo: [Similar inconveniences] happen to every passenger nowadays, all over the world.
Panelo: Sa palagay ko naman, I think the organizers learned their lessons.
Panelo encourages the organizers to be creative to avoid similar incidents in the future.
Panelo: I am sure they will do better for the succeeding arrivals of the other countries, delegates, and athletes. You will learn from your mistakes.
Panelo: I am sure they will do better for the succeeding arrivals of the other countries, delegates, and athletes. You will learn from your mistakes.
