VP accepts Duterte's offer for her to play role in drug war

The vice president of the Philippines has accepted an offer by President Rodrigo Duterte for her to play a lead role in his deadly crackdown against illegal drugs even though she’s been warned it could be a political ploy to destroy her.

Vice President and former human rights lawyer Leni Robredo said Wednesday that by agreeing to the unusual offer, she may be able to save even one innocent life under the campaign, which has left thousands of mostly petty drug suspects dead in purported gunbattles with police, alarming rights groups.

Presidents and vice presidents are separately elected under the Philippine electoral system and that has resulted in candidates from rival parties like Duterte and Robredo ending up in the country’s top leadership and often colliding on policies.