MANILA, Philippines — Lawmakers in the House of Representatives criticized Vice President Sara Duterte for her recent public attacks on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration. They urged her to collaborate rather than cast blame.
Duterte’s criticisms, which centered on governance failures and budget concerns within the Department of Education, were cited as reasons for her resignation from the Cabinet.
Deputy Majority Leader and Iloilo 1st District Rep. Janette Garin emphasized that the Department of Education has consistently received the largest budget allocation. She attributed any issues to poor leadership and implementation during Duterte’s tenure as Education Secretary.
“It’s easy to claim a lack of support after stepping down, but true leadership is about making a difference when it matters,” Garin said.
Majority Leader and Taguig 2nd District Rep. Amparo Maria “Pammy” Zamora also rebuked Duterte for her comments on flood control projects and her reduced security detail, calling them divisive and unproductive.
Zamora highlighted that Duterte still retains almost 390 security personnel despite her claims.
Lawmakers are urging Duterte to focus on constructive collaboration with the administration instead of fueling division.
ia/mnm
By Junex Doronio
MANILA – Four years ahead of the presidential elections, the much-touted frontrunner Vice President Sara Duterte has seen her satisfaction rating drop to +44 as of June 2024, while Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero has surged ahead with a +47 satisfaction rating.
This was revealed in the latest non-commissioned survey conducted by Social Weather Stations (SWS) from June 23 to July 1, 2024.
The survey showed VP Sara with a +44 net satisfaction rating (65% satisfied, 21% dissatisfied), marking a 19-point decline from her +63 rating in March 2024.
Meanwhile, Escudero, who was elected Senate President on May 20 and is considered a potential presidential candidate, received a +47 satisfaction rating.
Another potential “presidentiable,” Speaker Martin Romualdez, garnered only +29.
According to the SWS terminology for net satisfaction ratings: +70 and above is classified as “excellent”; +50 to +69, “very good”; +30 to +49, “good”; +10 to +29, “moderate”; +9 to -9, “neutral”; -10 to -29, “poor”; -30 to -49, “bad”; -50 to -69, “very bad”; and -70 and below, “execrable.”
The SWS Second Quarter 2024 survey was conducted through face-to-face interviews with 1,500 adults (18 years and older) nationwide: 600 in Balance Luzon (Luzon outside Metro Manila), and 300 each in Metro Manila, the Visayas, and Mindanao.
(ia/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — A political analyst has mocked Vice President Sara Duterte for airing criticisms against President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s administration while vacationing in Germany with her family.
In a reference to the classic Sharon Cuneta movie, the analyst stopped just short of calling the Vice President a “second-rate, trying-hard copycat.”
In his vlog, Armand Dean Nocum, a former Philippine Daily Inquirer reporter-turned-Public Relations (PR) operator who now goes by “Vlogcaster Armand Dean” or VAD, pointed out that VP Sara seems to be imitating the late Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., who also criticized the Marcos administration after being released from detention and undergoing heart bypass surgery in the United States during the early 1980s.
“For the first time, Vice President Sara Duterte, speaking or writing from Germany with love… has started her series of attacks against President Bongbong Marcos… Si Sara na mismo bumabanat kay Marcos,” VAD stated in his vlog on YouTube.
Nocum noted that VP Sara criticized PBBM on several issues, such as flood control and the PhilHealth controversy, but added that these criticisms have backfired on the previous Duterte administration.
“Nakakatuwa lang na yung mga isyu na pinukol niya kay Marcos ay bumalik ulit sa kanya at sa tatay niya at sa administrasyon nila,” VAD quipped.
Nocum, who previously admitted to providing PR services to former President Rodrigo Duterte, also speculated that VP Sara could be contemplating applying for political asylum in Germany or another European country.
ia/mnm
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — With only nine months before the 2025 midterm elections, which will serve as a sort of referendum for the current administration, Marcos loyalists have increased in the second quarter of the year while the so-called Diehard Duterte Supporters (DDS) have decreased.
This was revealed on Tuesday (06 Aug 2024) by OCTA Research based on its latest survey.
OCTA’s Tugon ng Masa (TNM) survey showed that pro-Marcos Filipinos increased to 36% in June 2024 from 31% in March, while pro-Duterte Filipinos decreased from 20% in March to 16% in June.
“On the other hand, 31% of adult Filipinos consider themselves independent or individuals who do not identify themselves as pro-Marcos, pro-Duterte, or the opposition,” OCTA noted.
“While still within the margin of error, a two percent increase was observed from the previous TNM survey conducted in the first quarter of 2024,” the survey form added.
Persons who identify themselves as supporters of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and his administration were highest in the National Capital Region (NCR) with 43% and lowest in Mindanao with 25%.
Regions where at least 50% of adult Filipinos support Marcos include the Cordillera Administrative Region (83%), Ilocos Region (60%), Cagayan Valley (79%), MIMAROPA (69%), and Eastern Visayas (75%), according to OCTA’s TNM survey.
Notably, support for the Dutertes, who hail from Davao City, was highest in Mindanao at 50% and lowest in Balance Luzon at 5%. Regions with at least 50% pro-Duterte support include the Davao Region (70%), SOCCSKSARGEN (52%), and Caraga (67%).
(ia/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — As super typhoon Carina was battering Metro Manila and some parts of the country, Vice President Sara Duterte left on “personal trip with her family overseas”, the Office of the Vice President (OVP) confirmed on Thursday (25 July 2024), a day after reports surfaced that she left for Germany.
Political pundits told Maharlika NuMedia that VP Sara might be getting nervous of the possibility that she will be arrested by the Interpol in connection with the bloody drug war that she was implicated in by a former member of Davao Death Squad (DDS) who turned whistleblower.
In his vlog, Public Relations (PR) expert Armand Dean Nocum said that “there’s a moral issue” with the sudden departure of the Vice President when the country was being hammered by supertyphoon Carina.
“She should have moved their departure date,” Nocum — who goes by his YouTube monicker VAD (Vlogcaster Armand Dean) — quipped.
Self-confessed ex-DDS hitman Arturo “Arthur” Lascañas accused the Vice President of orchestrating “Oplan Tokhang” in Davao City during her stint as mayor in 2012.
It can also be noted that the Vice President’s Germany trip with her family came on the heels of a “fake video” showing Marcos Jr. allegedly using illegal drugs.
“The Vice President is on a personal trip with her family overseas. Her departure received the necessary approvals, as evidenced by the travel authority issued by the Office of the President dated 09 July 2024,” Duterte’s office said, without disclosing her destination.
The Office of the Vice President (OVP), however, admitted that the timing of the trip was “unfortunate” but assured that Duterte has “institutionalized” their Disaster Operations Center that can function without her.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — The Office of the Vice President (OVP) has confirmed that Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio is currently on a personal trip overseas with her family.
This statement was issued in response to reports that Duterte-Carpio traveled to Germany amid Typhoon Carina.
“The Vice President is on a personal trip with her family overseas. Her departure received the necessary approvals, as evidenced by the travel authority issued by the Office of the President dated 09 July 2024,” the statement read.
The OVP acknowledged that the timing of the trip coinciding with Typhoon Carina was “unfortunate.”
“Nonetheless, the Disaster Operations Center of the OVP, institutionalized by the Vice President, is always ready to assist families affected by calamities,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, Senator Imee Marcos defended Duterte-Carpio, stating that the trip had been planned in advance.
“Matagal nang plano ‘yun at hindi naman niya alam na may bagyo, pambihira naman,” she said.
Parts of Metro Manila have been flooded due to continuous heavy rains.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — The Office of the Vice President confirmed on Wednesday (July 24, 2024) that the Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) has issued an order relieving all 75 PNP Police and Security Group personnel previously assigned to Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio.
Despite this, Vice President Duterte-Carpio assured the public that the order would “not affect my work in the Office of the Vice President.”
“Our work will continue to deliver services to our fellow citizens, especially in remote or underserved communities in our country,” the statement read.
“I do hope, however, that with this latest directive from the Chief PNP, we hear fewer cries from the people regarding the proliferation of drugs in the country, and that even fewer shall fall victim to various criminal activities,” it added.
The PNP has yet to state the matter.
(El Amigo/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Short of saying that it was just a political stunt, University of Santo Tomas (UST) professor Froilan Calilung on Saturday (13 July 2024) said Vice President Sara Duterte’s remark that she has appointed herself as the government’s “designated survivor” when she decided to skip President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s third State of the Nation Address (SONA) should not be taken seriously.
“I don’t think the vice president… will wish anything wrong to happen to our public officials,” Calilung said when asked during the Saturday News Forum at Dapo Restaurant in Quezon City.
He added: “I think hindi ito ‘yung konteksto at uri ng pagkatao na mayroon tayo bilang mga Pilipino.”
On Thursday (11 July 2024), VP Sara said in an interview that she would not attend the SONA, adding that “I am appointing myself as the designated survivor.”
While VP Sara did not expound on her statement, a hit television series titled, “Designated Survivor”, which has US and South Korean versions, took off from a scene of the respective country’s President delivering his state address when bombs suddenly detonated and destroyed the entire venue killing many attendees, that included the president and public officials in the line of succession.
Calilung noted that while VP Sara’s presence is not necessary during the SONA, “it creates a great deal of political drama.”
“I think it will try to steal the [spotlight] away from the policies, the programs, and the good things that the government tried to accomplish because it might, sort of, be overshadowed by the vice president not attending the event,” the UST political science professor said.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio announced she will not attend the State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday (22 July 2024).
“No, I will not attend the SONA. I am appointing myself as the designated survivor,” Duterte-Carpio said when asked about her attendance.
In the United States, a designated survivor, or designated successor, is a person in the presidential line of succession who is kept distant from others while they are gathered together.
Earlier, House Secretary Reginald Velasco stated that former Vice Presidents Leni Robredo, Jejomar Binay, and Noli de Castro will also not attend the SONA.
Meanwhile, Duterte-Carpio’s father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, and Joseph Estrada have yet to confirm their attendance.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — She has crossed the Rubicon, so to speak.
But with a veiled threat.
For the first time, Vice President Sara Duterte will not attend the State of the Nation Address (SONA) of her 2022 UniTeam running mate President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
On Thursday (11 July 2024), VP Duterte, who resigned from her post as Secretary of Education last June 19, 2024, categorically announced that she will not attend PBBM’s third SONA.
“No, I will not be attending the SONA,” Duterte replied when asked by GMA Regional News TV.
“I’m appointing myself as a designated survivor,” she added.
Political observers said if that was a joke, it’s done in a bad taste, if not a veiled threat.
VP Sara’s resignation as Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary takes effect on July 19.
Political pundits said such development has confirmed the total collapse of the UniTeam with the decline of popularity of the Duterte political dynasty which is perceived to be pro-China.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, have remained silent on whether they will attend President Marcos’s third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 22.
In a press briefing on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, House Secretary General Reginald S. Velasco announced that former Vice Presidents Leni Robredo and Jejomar Binay have officially sent their regrets, stating they will not be able to attend the SONA.
Former Vice President Noli de Castro has indicated his inability to attend but has not yet done so officially, according to the House Secretary General.
“Everything is okay. We’re just finalizing the seating arrangement,” Velasco told reporters covering the House of Representatives.
He added that over 2,000 guests have confirmed their attendance, making this SONA the largest so far. However, there are only 1,814 seats in the plenary.
Regarding security, the Presidential Security Command (PSC) is closely coordinating with the House Sergeant-at-Arms.
Rallies will be prohibited near the Batasan Complex. “They are not allowed to block Commonwealth Avenue,” Velasco said.
He added that rallies can be held at the University of the Philippines in Diliman or at the Quezon Memorial Circle.
Attendees will not be allowed to wear dresses with protest slogans. Velasco mentioned they will politely ask guests to change into proper attire, such as a barong or coat and tie.
While no threats have been received, the House Secretary-General emphasized that they “expect the worst but hope for the best.”
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio clarified on Saturday (June 29, 2024) that she did not suggest any candidates for the new Department of Education Secretary.
“I did not recommend a new secretary for the Department of Education because the position relies on the trust and confidence of the appointing authority, which is the President,” Duterte-Carpio stated.
“The President should rightfully choose someone he trusts,” she added.
Meanwhile, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed the need for additional time to decide on the next DepEd chief.
“It’s proving more challenging than expected because we must make the right choice. So, I am extending the decision-making process,” he explained.
Amid deliberations, some senators have endorsed Senator Sonny Angara as a strong candidate for the DepEd leadership.
“I was approached by individuals close to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. seeking my opinion on Vice President Sara’s replacement at DepEd. I recommended Senator Angara as a potential candidate, though I’m unsure if the President received this suggestion,” Senate President Chiz Escudero said Friday (28 June 2024).
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — As the country celebrates its 126th anniversary of Independence Day, Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio said that it serves as a reminder for the Filipinos to unite.
“Ang araw na ito ay isang pag-alala at pagkilala sa ating mga bayani, sa lahat ng sakripisyo nila para sa ating kalayaan at kasarinlan,” Duterte-Carpio said.
“Ito ay isa ring paalala sa atin na ipagpatuloy natin ang pagtutulungan at pagkakaisa yung o sa isang matatag, mapayapa, at maunlad na bansang Pilipinas,” she added.
Meanwhile, in her message during the Independence Day celebration in Davao City, she honored the Philippine heroes who fought for the independence of the country.
“Sa araw na ito, binibigyang halaga at pagpupugay ang ating mga bayani na syang naging haligi upang makamit natin ang ating kasarinlan laban sa mga mananakop. Ang kanilang katapangan at pagkamakabayan ay hindi kailan man matutumbasan,” she said.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has defended Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio following new calls for her resignation from the Cabinet.
“I don’t see the reason behind that,” Marcos remarked when asked to respond to suggestions to remove Duterte-Carpio as Secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd).
He stated his intention to meet with Vice President Duterte to discuss important matters.
When questioned about assuring the Vice President of retaining her post, the Chief Executive emphasized that he didn’t find it necessary.
“She doesn’t need my assurance. She knows that,” he affirmed.
Marcos further asserted that the Vice President would remain as Education Secretary.
“Any cabinet secretaries not fulfilling their duties will be replaced,” he said. “All other matters are not up for discussion. If one can no longer perform due to illness or incompetence, they will be replaced. But that’s not the case with Inday Sara,” he added.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — “Unahin natin ang Pilipinas.”
This was the terse declaration of Vice President Sara Duterte to the call of First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos who said the country’s second-highest official should apologize for being caught on camera laughing in a rally where former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte called President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. as “bangag,” or in English, intoxicated.
The First Lady stressed that there’s no chance for her relationship with VP Sara to be mended unless the latter apologizes.
“Mga kababayan, bilang tao, karapatan ni Unang Ginang Liza Marcos na makaramdam ng sama ng loob at galit. Subalit ang kanyang personal na damdamin ay walang kinalaman sa aking mandato bilang isang opisyal ng pamahalaan,” the Vice President said in a video statement uploaded online Monday (22 April 2024).
Last week, the First Lady said VP Duterte is a “bad shot” for her after attending a supposed prayer rally in Davao City where the President was derided as “bangag” by FPRRD.
Instead of apologizing, VP Sara said everyone should be focused on addressing the country’s problems on rising prices of basic goods, hunger, as well as the supposed proliferation of illegal drugs.
The feisty VP said she will have a private meeting with PBBM to discuss the next steps that need to be taken to move on.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio on Monday (April 22, 2024) said that the sentiments of First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos do not affect her mandate.
Duterte-Carpio was reacting to the statement of the First Lady, saying that her relationship with the former has soured.
“Mga kababayan, bilang tao, karapatan ni Unang Ginang Liza Marcos na makaramdam ng sama ng loob at galit,” Duterte-Carpio said.
“Subalit ang kanyang personal na damdamin ay walang kinalaman sa aking mandato bilang isang opisyal ng pamahalaan,” she added.
The Vice President also said that she would have a private conversation with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. regarding the matter.
“Upang makausad tayo, iiwan na natin sa isang pribadong pag-uusap sa pagitan lamang namin ni Pangulong “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. ang mga susunod na hakbang.”
Earlier, the First Lady said that she was hurt after former president Rodrigo Duterte’s statement, calling the President “bangag” (intoxicated).
“When she went to Davao, [Rodrigo] Duterte said o ‘bangag, bangag di ba.’ Imagine a former president calling ano bangag. Wow ‘yung 6 years why would you call ano bangag di ba and then the camera panned on her (VP Sara) tumatawa,” she said during a political gathering.
“Bad shot na ‘yan (VP Sara) sa akin, unless she says sorry or whatever. She crossed the line,” the First said in an exclusive interview with Ka Tunying (Anthony Taberna).
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Concerned that the extreme heat will adversely affect the students, the Department of Education (DepEd) has announced that over 7,000 schools suspended face-to-face classes due to extreme heat as Vice President and DepEd Secretary Sara Duterte said that there was no need for schools to implement make-up classes for the disrupted face-to-face classes.
On Friday (12 April 2024), Maharlika NuMedia learned that more than 7,000 schools in different parts of the country have suspended in-person classes and shifted to alternative delivery modes due to the threat of extreme hot weather brought about by the El Niño phenomenon.
The DepEd said a total of 7,080 of the 47,678 schools in the country (14.8%) announced suspensions of face-to-face classes.
It revealed that most of the affected schools are in Central Luzon with 1,903, followed by Central Visayas with 870 and Western Visayas with 862.
In the National Capital Region (NCR), 311 schools suspended face-to-face classes.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liezelle Soriano
Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio encouraged Filipino Muslims to embrace humility, forgiveness, deepen their faith, and uphold the teachings of the Quran as she joined them in their celebration.
In her Eid al-Fitr message, Duterte-Carpio also expressed gratitude for their dedication and faith, which serve as inspiration to others.
“Nawa’y patuloy nating isabuhay ang mga aral ng Qur’an at ni Propetang Muhammad, at itaguyod ang kabutihan sa ating kapwa,” she stated.
“Sa kabila ng ating pagkakaiba, ang pagkakaisa, paggalang, at pagmamahal sa ating bansa ay napakahalaga,” the Vice President emphasized.
Filipino Muslims celebrate Eid’l Fitr, the Festival of Breaking the Fast, on Wednesday (April 10, 2024).
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. declared this day a holiday to “the entire Filipino nation to join their Muslim brothers and sisters in peace and harmony in the observance and celebration of Eid’l Fitr.”
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Apparently affected by the confidential funds controversy and her silence on China’s aggressive acts in the West Philippine Sea, Vice President Sara Duterte is now overtaken by veteran hard-hitting journalist and now Senator Raffy Tulfo as the top presidential contender for 2028.
This was revealed on Sunday (31 March 2024) based on a Pulse Asia survey showing Tulfo ahead by a hairline one percent over VP Sara who is also the concurrent Education Secretary.
Results of the poll conducted from March 6 to 10, 2024 showed that 35% of the respondents will vote for “idol” Tulfo as president if the 2028 elections were to be held during the survey period.
Inday Sara — as the Vice President is popularly known — was the choice for president of 34% of respondents.
Trailing behind in the presidential survey was former Vice President Leni Robredo with 11%, followed by Senator Imee Marcos with 5%, former senator Manny Pacquiao with 3%, and Senators Robinhood Padilla and Risa Hontiveros, who got 2% and 1%, respectively.
Also mentioned by the respondents as potential presidential candidates they will likely vote in 2028 were: House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, President Rodrigo Duterte, and former Manila Mayor Isko Moreno.
Political pundits told Maharlika NuMedia that the decline of Inday Sara’s popularity could be attributed to the controversy generated by her proposed P650 million total of confidential and intelligence funds (CIF) which were eventually realigned by the House of Representatives under Romualdez’s leadership and her continued silence on the aggressive acts of China in the West Philippine Sea.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio emphasized that she did not intend to issue an official statement on the anniversary of the EDSA Revolution last Sunday (25 February 2024) and consequently removed a previous post on her social media page.
“What I stated in 2017 regarding the February 25 EDSA anniversary has remained unchanged. My stance remains consistent today,” Duterte-Carpio stated.
“I did not plan to release a statement this year, just as I didn’t last year. Therefore, I have taken down the EDSA anniversary post from my social media page,” she elaborated.
The Vice President expressed her hope that her clarification would “put the matter to rest.”
Duterte-Carpio urged Filipinos to continue embodying the EDSA spirit and advocating for what is just in her now-deleted post.
“As we commemorate this significant occasion, let us reflect on the lessons of EDSA—the potency of unity, the resilience of the Filipino character, and the imperative of standing up for righteousness,” she remarked.
“Happy EDSA anniversary to all Filipinos; may we persist in upholding the essence of EDSA in all our endeavors,” she concluded.
(el Amigo/MNM)