The Liberal Party (LP) and Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan defend Naga City Mayor and Vice President Leni Robredo after she meets with Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Dana Kursh, following public criticism.
LP officials say Robredo’s reception of a city guest does not amount to endorsement of genocide or support for Israel’s military operations in Gaza. They argue there is no evidence that the meeting reflects Robredo’s position on the conflict. Pangilinan also acknowledges concerns raised by critics, pointing to the impact of killings during the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign. Across outlets, the core dispute centers on whether a protocol-style city meeting can be interpreted as political or moral backing.
The reports frame the response as an attempt to clarify Robredo’s intent and limit the criticism to the specific fact of the meeting on Oct. 5, while addressing broader sensitivities about past violence and the Gaza war.
