MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte has formally appointed Vice President Leni Robredo as his co-chairperson of the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs, according to Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo on Tuesday, 05 November 2019.

Panelo stated that the position gives Robredo oversight function over drug enforcement agencies including the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, the Dangerous Drugs Board and the Philippine National Police until the end of Robredo’s term on June 30, 2022.

Duterte signed the appointment paper of Robredo on October 31.

Robredo’s appointment came days after the President offered her to be the drug czar and give her full powers to run the government’s campaign against illegal drugs.

Panelo also said that Malacañang hopes that critics of the administration would see that Duterte is sincere in his offer to Robredo.

Robredo has yet to comment on Duterte’s offer, written in an official letter from Malacañang and transmitted to her by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea.

Panelo said that Robredo can decline the appointment if she doesn’t want the post. (Cate Pallarco/IAMIGO/CNS)