Duterte says Robredo in a hurry to oust him

President Rodrigo Duterte gets a standing ovation from around 2 000 overseas Filipino workers in Bangkok during his meeting with the Filipino Community. (Photo by NESTOR CORRALES / INQUIRER.net)

BANGKOK, Thailand — President Rodrigo Duterte slammed on Wednesday Vice President Ma. Leonor “Leni” Robredo, saying she was in a hurry to oust him.

“Si Alan [Peter Cayetano]. Sayang lang iyan. Eh si… iyong babae ang pinili ninyo. Apurado, gusto ako paalisin,” Duterte told overseas Filipino workers at the Royal Thai Navy Headquarters here.

(“It’s a waste not to having Alan Peter Cayetano. You chose the woman. She’s in a hurry to get me removed.“)

Duterte did not mention the name of Robredo, but he was apparently referring to the vice president who defeated Cayetano during the May 2016 elections.

“”Hindi pa nga ako dumating ng isang taon dito, paalisin mo na ako,” the President said.

(“I’ve been here for not even a year and already you want me out.”)

Duterte said Robredo was in a hurry to become president but had not done anything for the country.

“Nagmamadali. Maghintay ka. Wala ka pang ginawa sa bayan eh,” he said.

(She’s in a hurry. Just wait. You haven’t done anything for the country yet.”)

Then, in jest, the President then said: “Dalaga man siya. Sige, pakasalan mo ako. So dalawa na tayo dito.”

(“She’s now single. Okay, marry me. So there will two of us here.”)

Malacañang had earlier linked Robredo to the impeachment complaint filed against Duterte, saying it was part of the ouster plot against the chief executive.

Duterte met with close to 2,000 Filipino workers here. They welcomed him with loud cheers and a standing ovation as he was entering the hall. /atm