OVP: Robredo never asked to be prioritized for takeoff, landing

Vice President Leni Robredo never asked to be prioritized for takeoff or landing when she travelled by air, the Office of the Vice President said on Tuesday.

The OVP issued the statement after a Cebu Pacific pilot posted on social media that Robredo had requested that her flight be given priority and that the Australian ambassador had been affected by the diversion.

Cebu Pacific has since apologized for the post of the pilot, who in turn admitted that his claim had no basis.

The pilot has also deleted the post.

"The Office of the Vice President categorically denies the false story being circulated in social media. This never happened and is a malicious fabrication," the OVP said.

"During her entire tenure as Vice President, VP Leni has never asked to be prioritized for taking off or landing when traveling by air. Any claim to the contrary is a lie," it added.

The OVP said that such attacks against Robredo even after the elections would only fuel her resolve to fight disinformation.

"It is alarming that almost a week after the elections, the disinformation and fake news being spread on social media against VP Leni continue unabated," the OVP said.

"Lying, unfortunately, has become a full-blown industry on social media. VP Leni reiterates her commitment to take firm steps against disinformation and promote truthful public discourse," it added.

Robredo, who is trailing in the partial and unofficial count for the presidential race, has said she would fight lies when her term ends on June 30.

She also announced the launch on July 1 of the Angat Buhay non-government organization to help the needy. —NB, GMA News