Roque: Alleged involvement of Robredo’s brother-in-law in illegal drugs should be investigated

By Arjay L. Balinbin, Reporter
Presidential Spokesperson Harry L. Roque, Jr. on Wednesday said the alleged involvement of Vice-President Maria Leonor G. Robredo’s brother-in-law in illegal drug activities in Naga City should be investigated.
“Well, ang sa atin po ay ito po ay isang development na dapat talagang imbestigahan pa ano (Well, in my opinion, this development really needs to be investigated),” Mr. Roque said in a radio interview on Wednesday morning, Aug. 22, a day after Naga City’s former councilor Luis Ortega publicly announced that Ms. Robredo’s brother-in-law is involved in illegal drug activities in his hometown.
Mr. Ortega came out to support Mr. Duterte’s claim that Naga City was once a “hotbed of shabu.”
“Unang-una, kasi nga po pinukol nila ang Presidente na wala raw katuturan iyong sinasabi nya… At siyempre po ang sinasabi pa niya eh kamag-anak din ni VP diumano ang involved dito,” he added.
(First and foremost, they criticized the President for his claim. And, of course, he said a relative of the Vice President is actually involved in this.)
Mr. Roque said an investigation is necessary because the Vice President herself is a public servant. He added, “Dapat malaman natin anong mga hakbang na ginawa ni Bise Presidente, para mapatupad ang batas sa sarili niyang siyudad at sa sarili niyang mga kapamilya (We should know what measures the Vice President takes regarding this in order to implement the law within her own city and family).”
The Office of the Vice-President (OVP) confirmed in a Viber message to reporters on Thursday, Aug. 23, that the person being referred to is “Butch Robredo,” the Vice President’s brother-in-law. “Yes, yung bulag si (the blind) Butch Robredo,” her staff said.
The city council of Naga issued a resolution on Aug. 17 declaring “indignation” over Mr. Duterte’s statement.
“The City Government of Naga, on behalf of all who love this “Maogmang Lugar” (happy place) cannot remain silent over this deep insult hurled against the dignity of all Nagueños,” the resolution read in part.
“In the last four years, Naga City has consistently garnered a distinction of being one of the most competitive component cities in the country, earning the trust and confidence of the business community in the city, due to its sound public safety and peace and order policies and activities,” it added.
The city council also extended an invitation to the President to visit and “walk our safe, peaceful, and drug-free streets.”