Former President Rodrigo Duterte has publicly advised his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, to step away from politics, emphasizing that she should be content with her current position and seek a quieter life outside the political arena.
“Inday, just thank the Lord that your father became President, and you became Vice President. It’s a rare occurrence in any family,” Duterte said, using his daughter’s nickname in a press conference with Davao City-based media. “Now, as fast as you can, get out of politics.”
Video clips from the former President’s remarks were posted on the Sonshine Media Network International’s (SMNI) Facebook page.
Sara Duterte is currently under a congressional inquiry concerning budget usage by the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education during her tenure as Education Secretary. Lawmakers have raised concerns over inconsistent acknowledgement receipts related to the OVP’s handling of confidential funds.
“Find a way to make a living, start a business, live peacefully. Get out of politics. Don’t be ambitious; you’re already the Vice President,” Duterte added.
However, Duterte acknowledged his daughter’s independence and unwillingness to heed his advice. “Inday entered politics; I can’t teach her. She doesn’t listen to me. She sides with her mother and doesn’t want to talk to me,” he said, reflecting on their strained relationship.
The Vice President has defended her office’s budget management, describing the inquiry as a political maneuver potentially leading to impeachment attempts.
In the same interview, Duterte also expressed his support for the Senate candidacy of Apollo Quiboloy, a Davao-based evangelist facing multiple charges of human trafficking and sexual abuse in the Philippines and the United States. Duterte praised Quiboloy’s intellect and life experience, calling him an asset to the country and pledging to campaign for him nationwide.
Quiboloy’s religious group, the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), had previously appointed Duterte as administrator of its properties.