The two were seated next to each other for the first time in over three months. The President acknowledge the presence of the Vice President on his opening remark's speech.
"The Vice President Maria Leonor Robredo, Ma’am, may I look at you for the third time?" the President told Robredo, who simply smiled. However, Robredo's aide stated that the two only shook each other's hands and did not talk. Duterte invited Robredo and her children for a dinner last March, but the latter has still yet to follow up on the invititation.
Robredo said that she looks forward on that said dinner where she'll use as an opportunity to address some issues.
The Vice President resigned as a member of the Cabinet last year, December 5, 2016 after receiving instructions via text message to stop attending the Cabinet meetings.
The modernization of the Air Force's capabilities will continue its upgrade "by procuring additional attack and combat utility vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles or UAVs to complement our already existing air assets". He said that the government will acquire more aircrafts as the nation faces terrorism and external threats.
"I assure you that we will build on our past gains to further strengthen the Philippine Air Force. We will continue the ongoing modernization program by procuring additional attack and combat utility vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles or UAVs to complement our already existing air assets," he said.
"I call upon the men and women of the Philippine Air Force to live up to your oath with the highest degree of professionalism and competence. Together let us create an environment where our people can live in peace and prosperity."
He pointed out that the Air Force have a critical role in the military efforts in taking down the terrorism in MArawi City. There'll be more than 40 air assets and over 400 Air Force officers deployed in the conflict-stricken city.
"As we wrap up our campaign to liberate Marawi, I am confident that the Philippine Air Force will once again take an active role in the rebuilding of the city and uplifting the spirit of those affected by the conflict," the President said.
"We will rely on your valuable experience in humanitarian assistance and disaster response, especially in surveying war-torn areas and air lifting relief goods and rescuing victims and people stranded," he added.
The PAF provides aerial security and intelligence to ground forces, also in assisting the law enforcement agencies' surveillance.
The President cut his speech short, unlike to his usual lengthy speeches, he decided to stick to the speech provided for him due to the rain.
"I will just read this so our ceremony will be short. It’s raining. I find it very unsettling sitting there and looking at you all wet," the President said.
Source: Philstar
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