‘Agenda’ scores interview with Barry Gutierrez on Duterte-Robredo meeting

In a surprising political news today, Vice President Sara Duterte made an unannounced visit to her predecessor, former Vice President Leni Robredo, during a stop in Naga City.

The story was first reported by Politiko and was later picked up by Bilyonaryo News Channel. On BNC’s evening program Agenda, anchor Pinky Webb had former vice-presidential spokesperson Barry Gutierrez in a live phone interview to discuss the unexpected encounter.

Gutierrez described the meeting as “purely personal,” explaining that it was Duterte who initiated the visit.

“Nagkataon kasi ngayon Peñafrancia [Festival] sa Naga, so maraming dumadaan na mga bisita at isa sa mga bisitang ito si VP Sara Duterte at siya ang nagpunta sa bahay mismo ni VP Leni para sila ay makapag-usap,” he said.

When asked if the visit was preplanned, Gutierrez said it was a surprise, adding that the meeting lasted “slightly under an hour.”

“Well, ‘yung conversation was basically, ‘Papunta na kami sa bahay mo.’ Si VP Leni naman has been very, very hospitable sa lahat ng dumadalaw at nagtitake ng oras para dumalaw sa kanya sa Naga, so obviously nung sinabihan siya na papunta na sa kanilang bahay, talagang winelcome niya. Ganun naman talaga si VP Leni,” Gutierrez explained.

Duterte’s visit to Robredo was unexpected, especially given their long-standing political differences. In the past, Duterte had openly criticized Robredo, even calling her a “fake VP” in 2019.

The timing of the visit also raises questions, as it follows the recent collapse of the UniTeam and coincides with Duterte’s declining trust and approval ratings, which have been impacted by allegations of misusing confidential funds and her refusal to address questions from congressional hearings.

When asked if Robredo had any reservations about meeting with Duterte, considering its potential political implications, Gutierrez acknowledged that Robredo was fully aware of the situation but chose to focus on being a gracious host.

“Sa tingin ko kung anuman ang kanyang mga naiisip na posibleng implikasyon nito, eh nag-take iyon ng backseat doon sa pangangailangan na maging hospitable na kung ikaw ay may bisita, lalo na kung ang bisita na ‘yun ay bise presidente ng Pilipinas,” he said.

Watch the interview below: