HOUSE ‘YOUNG GUNS’ CONDEMN VP SARA FOR THREAT TO DESECRATE MARCOS SR.’S REMAINS

By Junex Doronio

MANILA — Stalwarts of the so-called “Young Guns” in the House of Representatives on Friday, October 19, 2024, strongly condemned Vice President Sara Duterte for her outrageous threat to desecrate the remains of the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr., accusing her of attempting to divert attention from the scandals currently surrounding her.

“Bastos at desperada,” said House Assistant Majority Leader Zia Alonto Adiong (Lanao del Sur, 1st District) and 1-Rider Party-list Rep. Rodge Gutierrez, describing the Vice President’s actions.

The lawmakers criticized Duterte’s remarks as a disgraceful tactic, calling it a “desperate and disrespectful” attempt to shift attention from the real issues.

“Threatening to desecrate the dead just to shift the narrative is utterly unacceptable,” Adiong said. “The Vice President must answer the allegations against her, not stoop to such shameful actions.”

Adiong further condemned Duterte’s comments as “a new low in public discourse” and “a direct attack on our cultural values.”

“This isn’t just political banter—it’s a blatant act of desecration. In our culture, we honor the dead. To use them as pawns in a political game is disgusting,” Adiong emphasized.

He urged Vice President Duterte to focus on addressing the misuse of public funds instead of resorting to such disgraceful tactics.

Gutierrez also voiced his outrage, claiming that Duterte’s actions clearly show her desperation.

“This is pure desperation. Instead of facing the allegations head-on, VP Duterte resorts to vile threats,” Gutierrez said.

“It’s a clear attempt to divert attention, but no amount of disrespect will cover up her mismanagement,” the young solon added.

The lawmakers’ condemnation followed Duterte’s shocking admission that she told Sen. Imee Marcos she would throw the late president’s remains into the West Philippine Sea.

The comment came amid increasing scrutiny of Duterte’s handling of public funds in both the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd), where she served as Secretary for two years until her resignation in July this year.

Despite the seriousness of the allegations, VP Duterte has consistently refused to attend congressional hearings to clear her name and address the accusations.

ia/mnm