MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – Three opposition senators — Antonio Trillanes, Risa Hontiveros and Bam Aquino — are calling for a Senate Hearing to investigate the citizenship of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.

The trio issued the call after it was reported that Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe referred to Duterte as ‘family.’ Abe’s statement was made during Duterte’s second state visit to Japan this week.

”One of the qualifications of a Philippine President is to be a natural-born citizen,” Hontiveros told The Adobo Chronicles, “so if Duterte is a relative of Abe, it is possible that our President was born in Japan.”

Vice President Leni Robredo welcomed the proposed Senate investigation, saying that it could fast-track her desire to become President.

NAGA CITY, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – Who can forget Leni Robredo’s bold suggestion to preserve the ruins of the terrorist siege on Marawi City? The Vice President’s brilliant idea was met with both praise and criticism.

But now, Robredo is criticizing the government of Japan for its offer to help the Philippines rebuild war-torn Marawi.

The offer was made during President Rodrigo Duterte’s second official visit to Japan.

In a statement issued exclusively to Rappler, Inquirer, ABS-CBN, GMA 7 and The Adobo Chronicles, Robredo lamented the fact that foreign governments like Japan are interfering with the internal affairs of the Philippines.

”We are independent and we should have the exclusive right to determine what’s best for our country and people,” Robredo said.