Vice President Sara Duterte conveyed her heartfelt appreciation to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for his continued trust, notably in her role overseeing the Education portfolio. This expression of gratitude comes amidst a notable divergence of opinions within her family, highlighting her stance as an independent political figure.
In her statement, VP Duterte acknowledged President Marcos’s respect for her viewpoints, particularly her stance against the ‘Money for Signatures in People’s Initiative,’ which she vehemently opposes due to its undermining of citizen dignity and the infringement of their right to make informed decisions.
While acknowledging the growing rift within her family, VP Duterte emphasized her respect for the opinions of her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, and her brother, Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte. She clarified, however, that her alignment with their views is not a given and stressed her upbringing’s emphasis on independent thought and decision-making. For VP Duterte, her unwavering commitment to serving the nation remains her utmost priority.
This declaration comes in the wake of her designation as the government’s caretaker during President Marcos’s state visit to Vietnam. The announcement closely followed a series of contentious remarks from the Duterte family members directed at President Marcos, including severe allegations and calls for resignation from the former president and Mayor Sebastian Duterte.
Despite these familial tensions, VP Duterte has maintained a supportive stance towards President Marcos’s socioeconomic policies, as recently evidenced at the Bagong Pilipinas kick-off rally in Manila City. Her statement, therefore, serves as a firm assertion of her independent stance and dedication to the nation amidst the complex political dynamics.