By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Visibly disappointed, the so-called “Young Guns” of the House of Representatives on Monday (12 Aug 2024) criticized the “deafening silence” of Vice President Sara Duterte on the heels of the latest harassment by China in the West Philippine Sea.
This was in contrast to the quick action by Malacañang on Sunday (11 August 2024) when it said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. “strongly condemns” the air incident and stands by the brave men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), especially the Philippine Air Force (PAF).
In a press conference, Rep. Jil Bongalon (Ako Bicol Partylist) could not hide his disappointment with VP Sara for “not issuing a statement against China” since she assumed office in July 2022.
House Assistant Majority Leader and La Union Rep. Francisco Paolo Ortega V echoed Bongalon’s sentiment and expressed bewilderment over VP Sara’s “deafening silence” on China’s aggressions in the West Philippine Sea.
Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong (Lanao del Sur, 1st District) commented that how the public will interpret Duterte’s refusal to condemn China over its aggression at sea will “define the kind of leader she is.”
“I’m trying to question why, with all of these things happening, especially with the recent flare of the Chinese government in the West Philippine Sea, she remains silent about it,” Adiong said.
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