MANILA -- Philippine Vice President Leni Robredo on Monday vowed to oppose a new authoritarian regime in the country, after political differences with President Rodrigo Duterte forced her to quit the cabinet.

"Above all, we will strongly remain vigilant and cautious to prevent another return of any form of dictatorship," Robredo said on Monday, stopping short of directly referring to Duterte as a dictator-in-the-making.

 
 
Robredo, a political newcomer, human rights lawyer and vocal critic of human rights violations, resigned as housing secretary on Monday after being told to stop attending cabinet meetings. She will keep her position as vice president, however.

 

The two leaders also took opposite views on the burial of former president and dictator Ferdinand Marcos, with Duterte decreeing he be laid to rest in a cemetery reserved for heroes. Robredo said her opposition to the Marcos burial in November may have triggered Duterte's decision to exclude her.

Last month, Duterte made comments that Robredo was pleased with her knees, when she wore a short dress during a cabinet meeting. Robredo described Duterte's remarks as "tasteless and inappropriate," with no place in society.