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)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Three days after she issued a statement extolling the spirit of the EDSA People Power Revolution only to be mysteriously deleted later, Vice President Sara Duterte on Tuesday (27 Feb 2024) explained that she did not intend to issue one for the 38th anniversary of the mass uprising that ended the 20-year regime of the first Marcos administration.
“I did not intend to issue a statement this year as I did not the previous year. Because of this, I removed the EDSA anniversary post from my social media page,” VP Duterte said in a statement.
She also underscored that her 2017 position on the EDSA revolution anniversary remains as is.
“What I said in 2017 regarding the February 25 EDSA anniversary has never changed. My position remains the same today,” Inday Sara — as the Vice President is popularly known — quipped.
It can be recalled that the then-Davao City mayor Sara Duterte stated in 2017 that: “I find it hard to understand why this bloodless revolution has become the standard definition of freedom for our country and this standard is forced down our throats by a certain group of individuals who think they are better than everyone else.”
But in a now-deleted post on the 38th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution, VP Sara urged Filipinos to continue upholding the EDSA spirit and to stand up for what is right.
“On this day, we commemorate the brave souls who stood united on the streets of Edsa, fighting for democracy and freedom. As we celebrate this momentous occasion, let us remember the lessons of EDSA—the power of unity, the strength of the Filipino spirit, and the importance of standing up for what is right,” she said in the message that has since been deleted.
Many citizens can only react to VP Duterte’s apparent inconsistency: “Ano ba yan, Inday?”
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Just like a very smart poker player, Vice President Sara Duterte keeps her cards close to her chest regarding her plans for the 2025 midterm elections or 2028 presidential polls.
On Monday (12 February 2024), she said her plans for the next elections are still “unpredictable” as of this time.
“Ang sinasabi ko lagi ay ang pulitika ay parang buhay lang iyan, hindi mo alam kung anong mangyayari bukas,” she told reporters.
It can be recalled that in a speech at an event in Barangay Bago Gallera, Davao City in January, Inday Sara — as the Vice President is popularly known — announced that she would run for public office in 2025.
She cited her reason that her brothers, Davao City Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte and Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, had already indicated they might not run for office again.
Now the feisty Vice President neither confirmed nor denied what her plans are in the 2025 midterm elections.
Political pundits told Maharlika NuMedia that VP Duterte is adopting her old man’s playbook, referring to former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte who kept everyone guessing if he would run or not for president in 2016 until the 11th hour.
With that tack, he was able to capture the national imagination or gain mass appeal that the foul-mouthed Davao City mayor eventually ran and captured the highest position of the land.
(el Amigo/MNM)
MANILA — Trust and performance ratings of Marcos and Duterte have shown a significant rebound in the fourth quarter, as reported by OCTA Research Tuesday (06 Feb 2024).
According to the latest Tugon ng Masa survey conducted from December 10 to 14, 2023, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. saw a notable increase in trust, with a 76 percent rating, marking a three-percentage point rise from the previous quarter. Only eight percent expressed distrust, with 17 percent remaining undecided.
Marcos’s trust ratings surged across various regions, including the National Capital Region (NCR), Balanced Luzon, and Visayas, although there was a slight decline in Mindanao. Notably, he experienced a remarkable 16 percent increase in trust within the ABC class.
Similarly, Vice President Sara Duterte’s trust rating climbed to 77 percent, a modest increase from the 75 percent recorded in the third quarter. With only five percent expressing distrust and 18 percent undecided, her trust ratings exhibited positive growth in Balanced Luzon and Mindanao, albeit showing a slight decrease in NCR and the Visayas.
SP Zubiri
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri’s trust ratings rose by two percentage points to 59 percent, while Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez saw a four percentage point increase to 64 percent. Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo’s trust rating also showed a slight increase, reaching 23 percent from the previous survey.
In terms of performance, Marcos’s rating surged by six percentage points to 71 percent, bolstered by gains in the Visayas, Balanced Luzon, and NCR. Similarly, Duterte’s performance rating increased by five percentage points to 75 percent, driven by improvements in the Visayas and Mindanao.
Zubiri’s performance rating saw a slight uptick to 60 percent, while Romualdez’s rating climbed by four percentage points to 65 percent. However, Gesmundo’s performance rating experienced a slight decline to 18 percent, with 71 percent of respondents remaining undecided.
The survey, which involved 1,200 respondents, carries a margin of error of plus or minus three percent nationwide.
(By el Amigo/MNM)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said that the UniTeam remains despite the criticisms that the President is getting from the father of Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio.
When asked about his relationship with the Vice President given the attacks made against him by her family, the President said their relationship remains the same.
“Well, it’s exactly the same because she has – of that nature. And, wala naman siyang sinasabi na ganyang klase. So, hindi naman nagbabago,” Marcos said.
The President also emphasized that his “UniTeam” with Vice President Duterte is still intact.
I believe so because if you remember ‘Uniteam’ is not just one party or two parties or three parties. It’s the unification of all political, hopefully, all political forces in the Philippines to come together for the good country,” the Chief Executive said.
(el Amigo/MNM)