Duterte says no cabinet post yet for Robredo

Dharel Placido, ABS-CBN News

Posted at 29 May 2016 01:56 AM | Updated as of 28 Sep 2016 03:12 PM

DAVAO CITY -- Incoming president Rodrigo Duterte said Sunday he has not decided yet on a cabinet position for incoming vice president Leni Robredo.

Duterte and Robredo, who come from opposing parties, are set to be proclaimed winners of the May 9 elections this week.

"Why should I talk to her? I have not considered anything for her because I’m more worried where I would place the friends na nagkautang ako ng loob," Duterte said of Robredo, the running mate of his rival, former interior secretary Mar Roxas.

"I should not be looking beyond my borders yet," he added.

Robredo beat the only son and namesake of the late dictator, Ferdinand Marcos, during a marathon official canvass in Congress last week.

Robredo, who has given free legal assistance to the poor, has expressed preference to work in the Duterte government's anti-poverty campaign.

In an interview with reporters Sunday, Duterte rejected criticism he was putting a premium on friendship over qualifications in choosing cabinet secretaries.

"Ang mga kilala ko, mga brod ko at yung mga kababata ko dito na mahusay," he said.

Duterte has chosen long-time Davao friends Carlos Dominguez as finance secretary and Jesus Dureza as presidential peace adviser.